Detroit Red Wings Forward Could Be Ready for Season Opener

While speaking with the media, Detroit Red Wings head coach Derek Lalonde noted that he's "optimistic" that Oskar Sundqvist will be available for the season opener.

Sundqvist has proven to be a solid bottom-six forward in the NHL, so the Red Wings certainly want him in the lineup at the start of the year. The 28-year-old is coming off of a very good season that saw him score eight goals and record 23 points in 59 games. With that, following being traded by the St. Louis Blues to Detroit, he had four goals and eight points in 18 games.

Sundqvist also provides solid penalty killing when healthy, so having that in the lineup at the beginning of the year will be good for the Red Wings. Here's to hoping that Sundqvist continues to make progress with his injury and plays opening night.