With training camp next month and only Dylan Larkin to re-sign, the Detroit Red
 Wings are gearing up for the 2018-19 NHL season. After missing the playoffs
the past two years, the franchise is hoping to return to their winning ways on
the backs of their young talent.

Each year, a Red Wings player or two takes us by surprise with a breakthrough
campaign. Last season it was Dylan Larkin taking charge as Detroit's top
forward.

But who might that player be this season? There will be plenty of opportunity
to seize a meaningful role as the team rebuilds, especially if Henrik
Zetterberg does not return, leaving a massive hole in the lineup and offensive
output.

In this week's edition of The Grind Line, The Hockey Writers' Red Wings
coverage team shares their picks for Detroit's 2018-19 breakout player and why
they'll take a step forward this coming season.Tony Wolak: Andreas Athanasiou

Armed with a new contract, Andreas Athanasiou is finally getting paid the big
bucks that his explosive talent deserves. And with that, the fleet-footed
forward now knows how much the organization values him after some tension in
the past.A quick start from Andreas Athanasiou will go a long way for the Red
Wings. (Amy Irvin / The Hockey Writers)

With that in mind, I fully expect Athanasiou to seize a top-six spot in the
lineup and light the lamp 25 times next season. His speed, finishing ability,
and quick hands certainly have the ability to become a perennial goal-scoring
threat for the Red Wings.

After scoring 16 goals last year and 18 the year before, 25 markers is
definitely a feasible number. Of those 34 tallies from the past two campaigns,
32 came at even-strength, leaving room for growth on the power play, which will
 likely be a lot better this coming season under Dan Bylsma.

Athanasiou will also have training camp to get up to speed and assert himself
as a valuable contributor for the Red Wings. Plus, he'll have his old buddy
Thomas Vanek back in the lineup to help create scoring chances.Jacob Messing:
Tyler Bertuzzi

Since being pegged as an over-drafted player in 2013 (second round, 58th
overall), Tyler Bertuzzi has taken considerable steps to shed said label and
prove he's capable of a long NHL career.

That comes off the heels of just 55 career games with the Red Wings, but it's
what he's done to get to the NHL that should have fans excited about his
future.Can Tyler Bertuzzi continue his solid performance after ending the
2017-18 season on Henrik Zetterberg';s wing? (Amy Irvin / The Hockey Writers)

Bertuzzi continued to develop his offensive game with the Ontario Hockey
League's (OHL) Guelph Storm following his draft year. He posted a monster
2014-15 campaign with 98 points (43 G, 55 A) in 68 games. He turned pro
following the season and stepped right in with the American Hockey League's
(AHL) Grand Rapids Griffins with 12 points (7 G, 5A) in 14 playoff games.

After a mediocre rookie season with the Griffins, Bertuzzi continued to elevate
 his game as a postseason performer and was named the AHL Calder Cup MVP in
2017, as he led the Griffins to the league title.

A preseason injury saw him start 2017-18 in Grand Rapids, but he took full
advantage of a December call-up. In 48 games with the Red Wings, the gritty
winger proved to be a thorn in the side of opponents while balancing his
offensive output with 24 points (7 G, 17 A) in that time.

Still just 23, Bertuzzi was given the offseason to train for a full 82-game
season with the team in 2018-19. The confidence of a solid rookie showing, ice
time up for grabs, and a full summer to prepare should be a huge benefit to
Bertuzzi as he's likely to play alongside some high-end offensive talent.

His complementary grit, net-driving style, and consistent "everyday-er"
mentality could see him earn more scoresheet share and be 15-20 goal-scorer
flirting with 50 points in his first full season.Rachel Anderson: Martin Frk

Martin Frk has been the brunt of many jokes as of late. Though funny, they are
unfortunately accurate - which some would say isn't a word to describe him. Frk
 has one heck of a shot - we've all seen it. For a few unlucky characters, they
 got to feel the full force of Frk via a quick shot to the head. Fortunately,
none were seriously injured. With the power Frk has, unfortunately, it';s
paired with a lack of accuracy which had proven to be detrimental during his
first full season with the Wings.Can Martin Frk develop into a well-rounded
NHLer? (Amy Irvin / The Hockey Writers)

Coming into the 2018-19 season, however, I fully expect Frk to be one of the
top performing skaters despite his frequent puck misplacement.

While with the Griffins during the 2016-17 season, Frk was a mass point
producer. Finishing out the season with 50 regulation points and 15 postseason
points, Frk was a huge contributor to Grand Rapids' Calder Cup victory. Often
paired with Tomas Nosek, his shot was one that goaltenders dreaded facing and
was on target more often than not. His trouble comes with being the
"one-timer-guy" - the guy that's put on the ice for the sole purpose of a
massive shot, and that's it.

His first year as a Red Wing wasn't as fruitful as his AHL time, but he has the
 foundation established. He's a very skilled skater and can set up quickly.
Being rewarded with a contract for yet another year will, I believe, give Frk
the jumpstart he needs. The coaching staff will be hard on him no doubt, but
with the ability Frk has with his footwork and puck-handling, he can be more
than the sniper shot.

I believe Frk is set to have a huge season. Yes, his shot is like a cannon, but
 I believe he will develop beyond that, into a strong multi-faceted player.
Having spent time with Carolina only to get sent back to the AHL, I doubt Frk
will waste this second round in the NHL.Related: Grading Ken Holland's Rebuild
 MovesWhich Detroit Red Wings player will have a breakout campaign in 2018-19?
Comment below with your take.

The post The Grind Line: Red Wings'; 2018-19 Breakout Candidates appeared first
 on The Hockey Writers.

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