On the ice for Thursday's practice at Joe Louis Arena (an unusual 3 p.m.) are Chris Chelios, Niklas Kronwall and Brian Rafalski. So is newcomer Brad Stuart, meaning nine defensemen (no Nicklas Lidstrom) are at practice.
Stuart led the Red Wings' stretching exercises (one player does each practice) to hoots and hollers from his new teammates.

MID-PRACTICE UPDATE: Rafalski left the ice when drills started. Obviously his groin is still limiting him. Here are the defense pairings for the drills ...
Kronwall-Stuart
Meech-Lilja
Ericsson-Lebda
Quincey-Chelios

Also, the team is working on a lot of special teams play. Here's what D-men are getting reps in what situation ...
Power Play
Meech
Samuelsson
Kronwall
Ericsson
Penalty-Kill
Stuart
Lilja
Quincey
Lebda
Chelios