from Ted Kulfan of the Detroit News,

Get ready for some change on the Red Wings’ roster.

Specifically on defense, where the opening night lineup isn’t likely to look the same at the trade deadline.

And, then, even slightly more different to begin the 2020-21 season.

No position group on the Wings is likely to undergo as much change as the defense, where contracts, age and maturation of some recent draft picks all will conspire to force a new look.

The Wings are waiting to see what veteran Niklas Kronwall will do.

Kronwall, 38, hasn’t yet told the Wings whether he will retire or play one more season.

Kronwall played 79 games last season despite chronic pain in his left knee, and performed well enough where returning for another season became a viable consideration.

Both the front office and coaching staff have said they’d welcome Kronwall back. On this particular roster, Kronwall’s leadership and status carry influence on an evolving roster.

Trevor Daley, Jonathan Ericsson and Mike Green are all in the final year of their contracts.

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