23 Man Roster Set, Notable Red Wing Missing

The season starts in alittle over 48 hours, the beer is being chilled, the Red Wings 2010-2011 roster is set, and opponents should already be pissing their pants.  So who made the team? 

Forwards - Henrik Zetterberg, Pavel Datsyuk, Tomas Holmstrom, Todd Bertuzzi, Valtteri Filppula, Johan Franzen, Dan Cleary, Mike Modano, Jiri Hudler, Darren Helm, Justin Abdelkader, Patrick Eaves, Kris Draper and Drew Miller

Defensemen - Nicklas Lidstrom, Niklas Kronwall, Brian Rafalski, Brad Stuart, Ruslan Salei, Jonathan Ericsson, and Jakub Kindl

Goaltenders - Jimmy Howard, Chris Osgood.

Jesus tapdancing Christ, is that a roster to fear.

As for those notable names missing, Kirk Maltby, who spent 14 years with the organization has cleared waivers and will start the season in Grand Rapids.  Rumor has it, however, that the 37 year old will likely retire and possibly join the Red Wings front office as a scout.  He has until tomorrow to decide.  Derek Meech has also cleared waivers and will be reporting to the Griffins. 

Not reporting to Grand Rapids is Mattias Ritola, who has claimed off waivers Tuesday by the Tampa Bay Lightning.  Because of his time in the Red Wings front office, Lightning GM Steve Yzerman knows Ritola well and while he didn't make the Wings squad, Yzerman will make sure he feels at home in Tampa.

Is it October yet? YES!