The approach of the Detroit Red Wings on Day 1 of training camp was pitter-patter, let’s get at ‘er. The first on-ice session in Traverse City, Michigan, under coach Todd McLellan featured a scrimmage.

It was a new twist for veteran players, but old hat for McLellan.

“We always kind of wanted to get right into it, right in camp,” McLellan said on the team website. “Maybe I’m selfish, but I’m thinking if I’m playing and I’ve got to go in and play against Chicago on Tuesday, and I haven’t scrimmaged or been involved in any type of full ice, five-on-five action where there’s some actual contact and some competitiveness, I don’t think I’m ready to play that game.”

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The players liked the chance to go immediately into the competition of game scenarios.

“I think you kind of get into that game shape pretty quick,” winger Lucas Raymond said. “You’re bumping into each other, you’re getting that speed.

“I feel like that really helps.”

Captain Dylan Larkin also cast his vote in favor of the concept.

“I thought for a Day 1 scrimmage that it was very tight checking and intense,” Larkin said. “It’s a good environment to let us compete, let us learn on the fly, make mistakes, and correct them, and then get the game reps.”

Soderblom Gets First Chance On Red Wings’ Top Line

It’s never wise to put a lot of stock in training camp line combinations. However, all eyes will be on the left-wing slot on the top line between Raymond and Larkin. It’s clearly a spot that’s up for grabs.

Thursday, Elmer Soderblom was getting the first chance to skate there.

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“I think that spot’s gonna be a tryout spot,” McLellan acknowledged. “I mentioned to Elmer today, if I’m coming to camp and the coach dropped me in there, I’m not giving that spot back one bit.

“So we’ll give him a chance, and we’ll work different people through there.”

Van Riemsdyk Absent From Camp

One player who might get a shot playing on that top line wasn’t in camp for the first day. Winger James van Riemsdyk, signed as a UFA in the summer, is missing with full team permission while dealing with a personal matter.

“He has a family thing that he’s dealing with,” McLellan said. “We’re in full support of it, and it’s probably a pretty good thing, actually. So we’re all happy for him.”

It’s uncertain whether van Riemsdyk will be joining the team before they leave Traverse City on the weekend.

“I can’t answer that question,” McLellan said. “I hope that he can be, but if can’t, we’re going to give him a whole bunch of time with his wife and kids. He’s got more important things right now to take care of.”