Detroit has been swarming with news in recent weeks. Detroit Red Wings, Henrik
Zetterberg isn't expected to participate in training camp and, likely, the
regular season. With the loss of their captain, the remaining Red Wings will
face increased responsibility. The rising stars and current skaters will have
to significantly ramp up their game in the absence of their leader.

The Grind Line decided to take a look at the team';s roster players that need
to improve the most. Though they are all talented, there is always room for
improvement. It shouldn't surprise any Red Wings fan, to learn that the
struggle to produce is an ongoing battle. This week, we will lay out who we
think could use some extra fire under them and where they need to
improve.Rachel Anderson: Justin Abdelkader

Justin Abdelkader was once a force to be reckoned with. His AHL career with the
 Grand Rapids Griffins sparked an interest in the fiery forward and as he
battled his way through the NHL, he proved a worthy investment. He is not a
mega-point producer however, his physical game has been a spark plug for the
team. Who could forget the brawl that ensued after Abdelkader wailed on the
Tampa Bay Lightning's Mike Blunden during the 2015-16 playoffs? His physical
presence and ability to get the puck to the net has contributed to the other
forwards' success.Justin Abdelkader (Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports)

Abdelkader's production peaked in the 2014-15 season but has been inconsistent
since then. Fluctuating but never exceeding his career-high of 44 points, his
presence has all but disappeared. In light of the changes coming to the core
leadership group, Abdelkader needs to assert himself again. Not in a
face-pounding way, but in the strong net-front play and play-making that once
defined him. He's a workhorse, very strong and competent. He has the makings of
 an incredible leader and, at one point, I considered him a great candidate for
 the captaincy.

He needs to ramp up his shots, forecheck and his overall physical presence. His
 shots decreased by more than 50% from 2014-15 to 2015-16 and have continued to
 wain since then. He has experience and strength but has allowed it to
dwindle. In Zetterberg';s absence, Abdelkader has an opportunity to not only
step up his production but prove himself a worthy leader.Tony Wolak: Danny
DeKeyser

Last year was a tale of two seasons for Danny DeKeyser. The blueliner was
injured in the first half and struggled to find his game, while the 2018
portion of the calendar was more favorable.Danny DeKeyser, Detroit Red Wings,
December 20, 2017 (Amy Irvin / The Hockey Writers)

Ideally, the Red Wings need a consistent 2018-19 campaign from their defenseman
 with the most term left on his contract. DeKeyser was signed to a six-year,
$30 million deal to become Detroit's go-to rearguard, but has fallen short thus
 far. As the team rebuilds and gets younger, they'll need DeKeyser to step up
and become dependable on an everyday basis.

While he'll never score 10 goals in a season or reach 40 points, DeKeyser does
have the ability to join the rush more often and make strong passes out of the
defensive zone. In addition, he needs to get more shots through from the point
- he averaged an even one shot per game in 65 contests last season, ranking
162nd in the NHL. For a top-four defenseman, that';s not good enough.

DeKeyser's defensive zone presence needs to improve as well. Being stronger on
the puck and more of a force in the corners and in front of the net will help.
He needs to use his six-foot-three, 191-pound frame to gain more leverage and
box out opposing forwards. Finally, having the composure to make quick
decisions and simple plays to move the puck effectively will go a long way with
 a defensively impaired team like the Red Wings.Jacob Messing: Frans Nielsen

With Zetterberg expected to miss the 2018-19 season, Nielsen is set to take
over the No. 2 center role behind Dylan Larkin. It's a role Nielsen earned as a
 member of the New York Islanders, where he was a reliable two-way center
behind John Tavares.

#RedWings Blashill said if  Zetterberg doesn't play he'll move Andreas
Athanasiou to 3rd line center, behind Dylan Larkin and Frans Nielsen, with Luke
 Glendening centering fourth line. Darren Helm will play wing.

- Ansar Khan (@AnsarKhanMLive) August 26, 2018

Nielsen was tasked with taking on tough defensive matchups while providing a
fair amount of offense as a solid 5-on-5 and special teams asset. Since
joining the Red Wings in 2016-17, he's been underutilized during the youth
movement.

During Nielsen's first season in Detroit, the veteran posted a career-worst
minus-19 rating and 41 points (17 goals, 24 assists). It was his lowest goal
and point total in a full season since 2009-10 when he scored just 12 goals
and 38 points. His offense took another hit last season, where he averaged
15:50 of ice time per game, his lowest since the 2007-08 season.

At 34, Nielsen is slowing down but being placed back in the top six will give
him a bit of a bump in ice time. He'll also be surrounded with better
players-his most common linemates in 2017-18 were Darren Helm and Justin
Abdelkader-where his vision and passing can help offset his declining
offense while helping to boost the more consistent offense on his wings.

Without consistent play from Nielsen, the Red Wings will be far too reliant on
their top line, pending a huge season from a rookie or breakout player. The
loss of Zetterberg will leave a gaping hole down the middle and after Larkin,
Nielsen is currently the only player capable of solidifying the center depth in
 Detroit.

The post The Grind Line: Red Wings Who Need to Step Up appeared first on The
Hockey Writers.

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