Who’s out if rookies make it to the Red Wings this season?

After watching defenseman Moritz Seider dominate in the Swedish Hockey League in 2020-21, the Detroit Red Wings boss was confident he would earn a roster spot last fall.

General manager Steve Yzerman was less sure about Lucas Raymond. He was younger and less experienced than Seider.

But Raymond was so impressive in training camp and the offseason that it forced the Red Wings to keep him.

That could happen again this season with another rookie or two.

Although the Red Wings currently have 27 players with NHL experience on their roster, Yzerman has said he will find a way to keep a rookie if he earns a spot on the team.

As the Hall of Famer points out, it would be a good deal if one of the rookies asserted himself like Raymond did.

The Red Wings expect a 6-foot-6 defenseman simon edvinsonor make their presence felt on the training ground. It would be a surprise if he doesn’t make the team.

Here’s how Theodor Niederbach, also a draft pick from the Red Wings, describes Edvinsson: “He’s a big D. He’s got size, skill and speed. He can play in Zone O, Zone D, anywhere. I’d say he’s almost a complete D-man.”

Are there likely to be multiple rookies on the team? That word is probably too strong. But it’s possible Jonatan Berggren will shine enough to break camp with the Red Wings. The Red Wings certainly appreciated the growth he achieved in Grand Rapids this season.

Berggren will take a look

He is more of a playmaker side than a goalscorer. But Raymond was also considered a better playmaker than scorer before coming to the NHL.

The Red Wings are also very excited about the potential of Elmer Soderblom.

“He likes to score goals,” Edvinsson says of Soderblom. “He is a good goalscorer, a great protector of the puck. He is a great skater. In general he has had a great development last year. When you see him here for the first time you will recognize him. He is a great player”.

Defender Albert Johansson could also make a case. Pontus Andreasson is a wild card. He is a 23-year-old Swedish Hockey League standout who signed with Detroit as a free agent.

Injuries will open the door a bit for rookies. The 27 experienced players include Robby Fabbri (knee), Jake Walman (shoulder) and Mark Pysyk (Achilles). All will start the season on the disabled list.

Yzerman may not have to do anything to make room for newcomers.

If there are more injuries, the Red Wings might have enough room to start the season with several rookies. Yzerman could also open up roster space with a trade or two.

But if there are no injuries and no trades, one or two experienced players could lose their jobs. Some fans may see Filip Zadina on this list, but he is only 22 years old. You can still see some potential. It doesn’t look like the Red Wings are ready to give up on Zadina.

Here are some vulnerable players:

1. Defense Steven Kampfer

Kampfer is on a two-way contract and it appears he was signed to be a veteran who could travel between Detroit and Grand Rapids, depending on the Red Wings’ injury situation.

He is 33 years old with 231 games of NHL experience. But his $300,000 minor league salary could discourage a team from claiming him on waivers.

2. Center Joe Veleno

The Red Wings know Joe Veleno can play in the NHL, but they want him to produce more than he did last season. Veleno had some good chances last season and didn’t stand out. He was sometimes solid, sometimes effective, but he never made a difference.

He will turn 23 in January. The Red Wings still believe that he can reach another level. But it is vulnerable because it is still exempt from the exemption. That is critical. Yzerman can send him to the American Hockey League without subjecting him to waivers.

3. Defender Jordan Oesterle

He’s done his job as a defensive back. It’s hard to go an extended period without playing and then go into the lineup and expect him to be ready for game action.

Oesterle did that several times last season and generally did a decent job. The Red Wings don’t seem to be disappointed in his work. But he is 30 years old, in the last year of his contract. He is not part of the reconstruction.

4. Left winger Givani Smith

If the Red Wings were to subject him to waivers, they would have to expect them to reclaim him. His physical prowess can be intimidating.

But the Red Wings were hoping he would develop into a back-row force, a tough, forceful and effective checker who could contribute 10 or 12 goals.

He will be 25 years old and he has not yet arrived. The Red Wings probably wouldn’t want to give him up until they see what new coach Derek Lalonde can do with him.

Left Winger Adam Erne

adam erne he had a strong season in 2020-21 and had less of an impact last season. But still he led the team in hits.

Steve Yzerman probably won’t be in a hurry to move it. But he will be an unrestricted free agent this summer. The Red Wings need to add some physical players, not give them up.

But if he’s trying to make room for a bigger scorer or forward, he could be vulnerable.