Young Forward At Risk Of Being Pushed Out Of The Detroit Red Wings Lineup

There's plenty to be excited about for the 2025-26 season for Detroit Red Wings fans. John Gibsonto help the team reach the next level, young players like Lucas Raymond and Moritz Seider are now leaders and game-changers on the ice, and many players will play their rookie season this year.

Tonight, as the Red Wings take part in their home opener against the Canadiens, fans will keep an eye on rookies Emmitt Finnie, Michael Brandsegg-Nygaard, and Axel Sandin Pellikka, whereas other players will be under more scrutiny.

That's the case for Jonatan Berggren.

The forward had a promising rookie season in 2022-23, scoring 28 points in 67 games, but hasn't been able to get back to that rhythm since. He even spent most of the 2023-24 season in the AHL with the Grand Rapids Griffins.

Last year, the 25-year-old Finnish forward scored 24 points, including 12 goals, in 75 games.

Now, Berggren is on a one-year contract valued at $1,825,000 and has a lot to prove.

However, not all will depend on his own performances. Three players will make their debut tonight, and more will come, if not this season, then next.

With that roster depth, does Berggren still have a place in the lineup?

If he were to underperform this season, the question would be an easy one to answer.

And if he spends the whole year in the press box, he will surely consider asking for a trade.

His name has come up in a lot of rumors in the past months, and a move could be on the horizon. At this point, Berggren still holds his own fate, and even if he plays well and remains in the lineup, the timing could push Yzerman to make some calls.