DETROIT - The rebuilding Detroit Red Wings will have several fresh, young faces in the lineup for the regular season opener.
As many as five players could make their NHL debut against the Columbus Blue Jackets Thursday at Little Caesars Arena (7:30 p.m., Fox Sports Detroit).
Forwards Michael Rasmussen and Christoffer Ehn and defenseman Dennis Cholowski will dress for sure, coach Jeff Blashill said Sunday, after announcing all three have earned spots on the season-opening roster.
Injuries to several veteran defensemen could create lineup spots for Joe Hicketts, Libor Sulak and Filip Hronek.
Red Wings' Jeff Blashill impressed with rookies who made team
As the preseason progressed, Cholowski and Rasmussen separated themselves from the competition.