Detroit expects James van Riemsdyk to join practice soon after missing camp for family reasons, with a return likely ahead of the Oct. 9 season opener. He’ll need medical clearance and on-ice ramp-up, giving him roughly a week to settle in.

In JVR's absence, Emmitt Finnie, Elmer Söderblom and Jonatan Berggren have shared top-line duties with Dylan Larkin and Lucas Raymond. Detroit will be cautious with physicals but aims to have the veteran contributing when the puck drops, shaping early-season fantasy projections.