Red Wings’ future gets first test at prospects tournament

DETROIT — Each and every day, the hockey season draws nearer.

Another sign is the Red Wings will host a prospects tournament Saturday through Tuesday at the Belfor Training Center, inside of Little Caesars Arena.

The Wings , Columbus Blue Jackets , Pittsburgh Penguins and Dallas Stars will field teams of their draft picks and free agents in what should be a competitive and entertaining series of games.

Each of the teams will play three games. The Wings will face Dallas Saturday, Sept. 12 at 6:30 p.m.; Pittsburgh Sunday at 7 p.m., and Columbus to end the tournament Tuesday at 2 p.m.

Thirteen of the 24 players on the Wings' roster are former Wings' draft picks, including two first-round picks ( Nate Danielson , Carter Bear), and second-round picks ( Trey Augustine , Dylan James).

Danielson, Bear and Augustine are intriguing storylines as the Wings' training camp Thursday.

Danielson played in 28 games with the Wings last season, with two goals and five assists, before dwindling playing time forced the Wings to return Danielson to minor league affiliate Grand Rapids. With captain Dylan Larkin 's trade request still hanging over the organization, and the center position in flux, Danielson could be vying for an opening night roster spot with an impressive camp.

Bear impressed during his first training camp last year and put together an outstanding final junior season in Everett (WHL). Bear had 77 points (36 goals, 41 assists) and had a plus-45 rating in 53 games.

Augustine, a South Lyon native and former Michigan State star, was one of the premier goaltenders in the NCAA the last two years. Augustine was 24-9-1 with a 2.11 goals-against average and .929 save percentage last season at MSU, before joining Grand Rapids for two games at the end of the regular season.

All Wings games in the tournament will be streamed live on DetroitRedWings.com

Where: Belfor Training Center inside Little Caesars Arena.

Teams: Detroit, Columbus, Pittsburgh, Dallas.

Schedule: Saturday: Columbus vs. Pittsburgh, 3 p.m.; Detroit vs. Dallas, 6:30 p.m.; Sunday: Dallas vs. Columbus, 3:30 p.m.; Detroit vs. Pittsburgh, 7 p.m. Tuesday: Dallas vs. Pittsburgh, 10:30 a.m.; Detroit vs. Columbus, 2 p.m.

Streaming: All Wings games in the tournament will be streamed live on DetroitRedWings.com , free to watch for fans in the Red Wings' television territory (state of Michigan, Lucas County, OH).