Ansar Khan of Mlive answers some fan mail,

Q: With the amount of potential NHL-ready forwards and defensemen, what do you think the potential order of call-ups would be? Do you agree that it should be (Evgeny) Svechnikov, then (David) Pope for wingers, and (Dominic) Turgeon then (Axel) Holmstrom for centers? On defense, it’s really anyone’s guess, but would you agree it should be (Libor) Sulak, Cholo (Dennis Cholowski) then (Joe) Hicketts? At goalie, one would assume Harri Sateri is first. This is of course assuming (Filip) Zadina and (Filip) Hronek make the squad and (Michael) Rasmussen is sent to the CHL. Also, do you think they will start (Luke) Witkowski in GR if Hank is healthy? – Patrick

A: I’m expecting Zadina, Rasmussen and Hronek to make the season-opening roster and Zetterberg not to be ready.

Call-ups are predicated on the player’s performance in Grand Rapids and what role and position the Red Wings need filled. I think your pecking order would be correct, or close to it.

Certainly, Turgeon would be first among centers and Holmstrom probably second. Svechnikov needs to be first among wingers by bouncing back from a down year with the Griffins, and I imagine Pope would be next on the list.

On defense, they like Sulak a lot and I’d expect him to be the first player recalled. He’s four years older than Cholowski and has pro experience. It’s difficult, especially for a defenseman, to make the jump from juniors to the NHL, so Cholowski likely will spend the entire season in the AHL. I think Hicketts is behind Sulak in the pecking order.

They also like Sateri a lot and I believe he’s the unquestioned No. 1 goalie in Grand Rapids and the top option if a recall is needed.

I think Witkowski would only go to Grand Rapids if they’re tight on cap space (and he clears waivers). Coach Jeff Blashill likes Witkowski’s versatility (ability to fill in at forward and defense) and the ability to plug him into the lineup on occasion to provide a different dimension with his toughness.

more Q & A, mostly involving Zetterberg...