Detroit — In a way it was a promotion. But it's still a bleak picture for Frans Nielsen.
The Red Wings veteran forward was rotating onto a spot on the fourth line by the end of this week, not certain of an Opening Night lineup spot — but at least there was a chance.
It was an improvement over when training camp began last week, when Nielsen appeared outside the lineup entirely, given how the teams and lines were initially set.
Nielsen is coming off a poor season. He knew improvement needed to be shown heading into this season.