Zadina gets called back up to Detroit to play on top line?

Filip Zadina has been called back up to the big league, and there are some rumours swirling on social media that he may get a different role this time. Zadina, a highly touted offensive prospect, has played five games with the Detroit Red Wings this season, recording two assists. Despite his obvious offensive talent, Zadina has spent the vast majority of his time on the third line, mostly with Darren Helm and Frans Nielsen. That's something a lot of Detroit fans feel needs to change as playing on the third line doesn’t really five the 20-year-old a chance to show off his offensive prowess. They may be getting their wish.

While Zadina is practicing today with Helm and Nielsen, there’s quite a bit of speculation on Reddit and Twitter that he’s being looked at for a move to the first line to play alongside Dylan Larkin. If that happens, it will certainly be interesting to see if they can provide a spark for each other. Larkin, who’s usually so consistent, has just a goal and an assist in this last five games, with each coming in the last two. Before that, he went seven straight games without getting on the scoresheet at all.

Zadina has also been practicing on the first powerplay unit, leading to even more speculation that he may be getting moved up in the even strength rotation. 

To put it bluntly, the Red Wings don’t really have much to lose by at least giving him a try somewhere other than the third line, which is supposed to be more defensive-minded than anything else.

Zadina was sent to Grand Rapids earlier this week, mostly because Detroit had a long break between games. Going to the AHL meant getting more ice-time and experience under his belt, something very important for a player who has taken part in just 14 NHL games in his career so far. Now that’s he’s back, let’s see if his role with the team gets expanded.