Detroit — There was no automatic belief that Adam Erne was going to be a regular in the Red Wings lineup heading into this season.
On paper, there were a lot more forwards than roster spots. Though Erne appeared likely of getting a spot on the roster, it might have been as an extra forward, getting into the lineup sparingly.
But there was Erne on Saturday, all the way on the Wings' top line with Dylan Larkin and Lucas Raymond. And maybe that wasn't a shock, either.
Given Erne's doggedness on the ice, his team-first attitude and ability to play on any line, he has more than found a spot in the lineup.