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from Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press,

Hagg's availability could affect who Lalonde picks to be the third defense pairing. For the majority of the preseason, signs have pointed to Gustav Lindstrom and Simon Edvinsson. Edvinsson, 19, is trying to start his NHL career, and Lindstrom, 23, has played 92 games. Hagg, 27, has appeared in 300 games and he's the type of stay-at-home defenseman that appeals to a team trying to reduce the element of risk in its game.

Asked if he had a grasp on his third pairing, Lalonde said, "no, and that's not coach talk. We'll evaluate again this weekend. That will be a staff-management conversation on Sunday, maybe even Monday."

The big decision for general manager Steve Yzerman is whether Edvinsson, the No. 6 pick from the 2021 draft, is better off in Detroit, or developing in Grand Rapids. Edvinsson is waiver exempt, facilitating potentially sending him to the minors. Jordan Oesterle and Steven Kampfer are also NHL-experienced defensemen trying to forge roles; it's likely Oesterle would be the reserve defenseman and Kampfer assigned to the Griffins.

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Not a fan of waiting for final rosters for about a week, but it is what it is. Come on already!