"With the two injuries on our blue line, with Mark and Jake out to start the season, it gives opportunity for other guys to play and maybe grab a spot," Yzerman said. "Once everybody is healthy, it's a great problem to have."
Yzerman pointed to Simon Edvinsson, Albert Johansson and Eemil Viro as defensemen whose play could create some interesting roster decisions to start the season.
"We got a lot of D, a lot of young guys," Yzerman said. "If they're ready to play and ultimately, better than some of the veterans, we might have to make a decision. We'll let that play itself out, but I'm encouraged we have some young guys that are going to push not only in Grand Rapids, but push in Detroit."