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Red Wings beginning training camp without a lot of key players

Posted at 2:40 PM, Sep 22, 2016
and last updated 2016-09-23 09:29:38-04

The Red Wings begin camp in Traverse City this week, but most of the team is either in Toronto for the World Cup -- or injured.

Henrik Zetterberg won't work with the team during camp. He'll skate on his own throughout the weekend.

Thanks to injuries and absences, the team won't practice five-on-five until the camp-closing scrimmage. 

Jeff Blashill talked with reporters before starting practices in northern Michigan.

He said he's challenging Gustav Nyquist and Tomas Tatar to "put a line on their back," and take steps forward this season.

As for Anthony Mantha and Andreas Athanasiou making the roster, Blashill said both guys have to "be great." 

"Double-A did that at times last year," Blashill said.

Drew Miller re-signed with Detroit this past offseason. He enters camp as one of the few active veterans working out on the ice.

"He's one of those players that's able to play really well within his role," Blashill said of Miller.

Tomas Jurco also met with reporters before entering the rink.