5 Under-the-Radar Detroit Red Wings to Watch in Training Camp

Excitement is ramping up as training camp fast approaches, and there are plenty of storylines to follow leading up to the Detroit Red Wings’ annual trip to Traverse City, Michigan.

Plenty of eyes will be on high-profile prospects Anthony Mantha and Tomas Jurco as they each battle for one of the final roster spots.

Veteran Dan Cleary will be competing to earn his place in the lineup, while the Detroit Free Press’s Helene St. James reports Daniel Alfredsson may be heading into camp without a contract.

Alongside each of the aforementioned names will be prospects looking to prove their worth and turn some heads.

Training camp is the best chance to draw attention from members of the team’s front office, while earning the opportunity to showcase value in the preseason.

The following are five under-the-radar players that could garner attention during Detroit’s upcoming training camp.

Xavier Ouellet, Defense

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For Game 5 of Detroit’s first-round exit at the hands of the Boston Bruins, Xavier Ouellet replaced Jakub Kindl in the lineup.

Although Detroit was eliminated decisively, it became abundantly clear that the team isn’t sold on Kindl—and Ouellet is on the NHL radar.

The 21-year-old played four games in the NHL during the 2013-14 season, totaling two penalty minutes, four shots on goal and an average of 14 minutes and 34 seconds of ice time. He totaled four goals and 17 points in 70 games with Grand Rapids in the AHL.

Ouellet is a solid two-way defenseman with an innate ability to balance consistency at both ends. He’s strong against the boards and willing to play a physical game. He’s comfortable with the puck and can chip in offensively as well.

His skill set allows Detroit the flexibility to use him on the bottom pairing, while offensive-minded defensive prospects Ryan Sproul and Alexey Marchenko still need time to grow into their roles.

He’s not the scoring defenseman Detroit was hoping to acquire this offseason, but his all-around ability could steal a spot held last year by Kindl or Brian Lashoff.

Luke Glendening, Center

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Luke Glendening spent 56 games with the Red Wings last year. He also suited up for all five of the team's playoff contests.

Glendening made the most of his opportunity, earning praise from head coach Mike Babcock for his “greaseball” style of play, per MLive.com’s Ansar Khan.

“Just ultra-competitive, skater, heavy. He used to be a football player, loves the contact, loves being a greaseball. Plays hard. Draws other guys into battles, has great hockey sense,” Babcock said.

The former University of Michigan captain will be competing this fall for a spot centering Detroit’s fourth line.

He scored one goal and seven points in his stint with Detroit, but showed good speed and tenacity against opponents' scoring lines. The intensity he brings can cause problems for other teams, and coaches love guys that play with an edge.

His value also comes on the penalty kill. He’s smart without the puck, a quality held in high regard in Detroit’s team-defense approach.

Detroit’s depth at center is made apparent by Darren Helm’s move to the wing. With space cleared for Riley Sheahan to center the third line, the door is wide open for Glendening to seize the fourth-line spot.

Ryan Sproul, Defense

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Sure, it was already mentioned that Ryan Sproul needs time to develop, but it doesn’t change the fact he’s Detroit’s most dangerous defensive prospect.

Sproul stands at 6’3” and 185 pounds, and provides a coveted right-handed shot. He skated in Detroit’s final regular-season game of 2013-14, registering no points and three shots.

He scored 11 goals and 32 points in 72 games in his first full season in the AHL last year. Four of his goals came on the man advantage.

A right-handed point man for the power play would be a blessing for Detroit, as it failed to acquire any in free agency and had a tryout offer declined by free agent Raphael Diaz.

It would take a standout camp and preseason for Sproul to start in Detroit right out of the gate, but a call-up to play an offensive role is not out of the question. He’s a gifted puck-handler with a rocket from the back end that could prove valuable later in the year.

He can certainly improve in his own zone, but any opportunity to play with NHL regulars can help a player gain a better understanding of what it takes to reach the pro level.

He has a high ceiling, and if his learning curve isn't too steep, he could see regular time soon enough.

Mitch Callahan, Right Wing

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Physicality is integral to earning a spot on a checking line, and it comes in no short supply with Mitch Callahan.

In 70 games with Grand Rapids last season, Callahan scored 26 goals, 44 points and registered 51 penalty minutes. He also led the Griffins with two short-handed goals and a plus-23 rating.

He skated in one game with Detroit with just over nine minutes of ice time on 13 shifts.

Callahan plays hard and fast, qualities that could score him a spot on the wing on Detroit’s fourth line. There aren’t many opportunities to be had on the NHL roster, but Callahan has the ability to compete down to the final cut.

While Anthony Mantha and Tomas Jurco may be the sexier picks to make the lineup out of camp, they’d be better suited to hone their offensive prowess in the AHL.

With the door open, Callahan could be the right fit for the role.

Tomas Nosek, Center/Wing

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Tomas Nosek is flying so far below the radar that it’s possible you’ve never heard of him before.

A versatile forward from Pardubice, Czech Republic, Nosek caught the attention of Red Wings personnel playing for the Czech national junior team in 2012. The 21-year-old stands at 6’2”, 201 pounds and can play any forward position.

Detroit’s director of player development, Jiri Fischer, was an assistant coach with the Czech junior team and raved about Nosek’s ability to RedWingsCentral.com.

"He’s versatile, he can play center, wing, top six, bottom six, whatever the need is. He kills penalties, takes faceoffs, plays on the power play. He’s a guy who fits in with teammates on all lines and that’s exciting," he said.

Nosek is this writer’s dark horse for a roster spot. He plays a responsible, mature game for a younger player. He’s unselfish, adaptable and willing to accept any role handed him.

Competing for a fourth-line wing spot, he could be the right fit. He can play the wing, but act as a second center should he be called on for faceoffs. He can kill penalties and play well defensively.

He is comparable to Joakim Andersson, but with a better skill set and enhanced speed. Nosek won’t appear too often on the scoresheet but can fit well on the fourth line as a versatile depth player.