As the Detroit Red Wings' eight-game preseason nears the end, the battles for roster spots is intensifying among the players hoping to be around next week.
It's a group that includes Simon Edvinsson, Jonatan Berggren and Elmer Söderblom, all of whom are angling to start their NHL careers, and Joe Veleno, who is trying to gain a foothold in his. The Wings finish their exhibition schedule this weekend against the Toronto Maple Leafs, at home Friday and on the road Saturday. Coach Derek Lalonde wants to see the hopefuls "paint the picture for us a little bit.