When the Detroit Red Wings released their roster for the 2018 NHL Prospect
Tournament, not too many surprises popped up. A handful of Detroit's top
prospects will participate in the annual showcase from Sept. 7 to 11 in
Traverse City just before training camp kicks off.

Headlining the list is 2018 first-round pick Filip Zadina, who impressed
earlier this offseason at development camp. In addition, high-impact prospects
Joe Veleno, Dennis Cholowski, Michael Rasmussen, and Jared McIsaac will be
among the 26 in attendance.Filip Zadina already has high expectations among Red
 Wings fans. (Amy Irvin / The Hockey Writers)

Not all of the Red Wings' future stars will be in town for the tournament.
Those set to play in Europe, the collegiate ranks, or the USHL will not
participate due to their individual commitments. This includes goaltenders
Keith Petruzzelli and Filip Larsson, forward Jonatan Berggren, and defensemen
Malte Setkov and Kasper Kotkansalo.Related: Grading Ken Holland';s Rebuild
Moves

With those prospects not available, others will have the opportunity to step up
 and make a name for themselves. This, in part, is how Joe Hicketts and Kaden
Fulcher earned contracts with the Red Wings after going undrafted.

Here are seven prospects to pay attention to once the tournament kicks off next
 month.Patrik Rybar

After playing in the Czech Republic's top league the previous two years,
goaltender Patrik Rybar signed with the Red Wings this offseason to bolster the
 organization's depth. He's expected to either back up Harri Sateri in Grand
Rapids or start in Toledo if Detroit deems Fulcher ready for AHL play.

Rybar and Fulcher will get a fair shot at starting for the prospects team, with
 the top performer likely to play a game or two more than the other. This will
be the first opportunity for Rybar to prove he can transition to the North
American game smoothly and show the Red Wings he's capable of challenging
Sateri in the AHL.Pavel Gogolev

Technically not a Red Wings prospect, left wing Pavel Gogolev earned an invite
after taking part in the organization's development camp. The Russian winger
was not selected in June's draft, but could latch on if he can continue his
solid play.

Pavel Gogolev scores another 🎩🧢👒 to make it an 8-4 WIN against the
@Oshawa_Generals! Assists: @AlexBlack_3 & SDA (5th point). #gopetesgo #ptbo
pic.twitter.com/Q8z9dcCuRq

- Peterborough Petes (@PetesOHLhockey) March 17, 2018

Gogolev has quick hands and a nose for the net, as evidenced by his 30 goals
this past season with Peterborough (OHL). His speed is nothing to write home
about and resembles a left-handed Thomas Vanek. However, his goal scoring can't
 be ignored and should be something to watch as he lines up against other NHL
teams' top prospects.David Pope

Since David Pope (Detroit';s No. 15-ranked prospect) chose the college route,
this will be his first NHL Prospects Tournament and Red Wings training camp
despite being drafted five years ago. Now, the winger with the powerful shot
will compete in Detroit's top-six on their prospects team.

Now a professional, Pope is a dark horse candidate to make the Red Wings out of
 camp. His excellent shot, size, and offensive touch are all traits which
Hockeytown values. An impressive prospects tournament could give him the
momentum he needs to earn a roster spot once the NHL season
starts.Related: Red Wings Prospects Ready to Take Veterans'; Jobs?The Usual
Suspects

Let's be honest - you're going to watch to see how Zadina, Veleno, Cholowski,
and Rasmussen do at the tournament. Don't worry - we all will be right there
with you. When you root for a franchise that gave you 25 consecutive springs of
 championship hope, you get eager to return to that stage. And those young
players-fairly or unfairly-are at the center of the rebuild and those hopes of
returning to glory.Detroit Red Wings defenseman Dennis Cholowski (Tim
Fuller-USA TODAY Sports)Full Red Wings Prospect Tournament RosterWhich Detroit
Red Wings prospect are you excited to see at the annual NHL Prospects
Tournament?

The post NHL Prospects Tournament: 7 Red Wings to Watch appeared first on The
Hockey Writers.

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