Red Wings winger Mason Appleton has shown value in preseason, strengthening his case for a roster spot after saying he was unhappy with parts of last season’s second half. Rookie Carter Mazur, seen as a potential replacement, has left observers wanting more.
Appleton said he spent the summer considering how to improve and arrived at camp motivated. Coach Todd McLellan said veterans who were with the team last season have a spot until another player takes it. Defenseman Anton Johansson and winger Michael Brandsegg-Nygard appear to have made strong cases for places, while it has been harder to argue for spots for Mazur and defenseman William Wallinder.
