Detroit Red Wings

The next team in the team overview series is the Detroit Red Wings. Detroit has not been a good team for the past 5 seasons, but last year they started to show some promise. Steve Yzerman as general manager has done wonders for the Red Wings through several great drafts and key free agent signings. The Red Wings have a built a great group of forwards through all 4 lines having scoring depth through each of them. Their first line with Tyler Bertuzzi, Dylan Larkin, and budding superstar, Lucas Raymond is poised to have a great year. Their second line is comprised of 2 huge free agent signings in David Perron, Andrew Copp, and Jakub Vrana who they acquired at the trade deadline 2 seasons ago. Their top 6 may lack a big name superstar, but where Detroit sits with this group is a great spot. They also signed Dominik Kubalik, a goal-scorer from the Blackhawks, who had a down-year last season, for their 3rd line. Even their 3rd line has the capability to score goals and their 4th line is a great energy line that is comprised of three 200-foot players. Detroit also made some strong acquisitions on their blue-line. They went out and signed Ben Chiarot from the Panthers, who plays a physical game, something the Red Wings needed on defense. They also signed defenseman Olli Maatta who has improved his defense each season. Outside of their free agent signings, they have the reigning Calder trophy winner, Moritz Seider. Seider impressed beyond belief last year, showing why he was drafted 6th overall in 2019. His size and physical play make him a force in the d zone, while his skating and decision-making make him a weapon on the offensive side of the puck too. Filip Hronek is another name on their backend that is known more for his offensive abilities than his defensive. Pairing him with a responsible defenseman like Maatta should prove beneficial for him. And their last line of defense is two young defensemen, Simon Edvinsson, the 6th overall pick in the 2021 draft and Gustav Lindstrom. The Red Wings goalie situation also got much better this offseason. They traded for Blues goalie, Ville Husso and then signed him to a 3 year contract. They also have Alex Nedeljkovic, who had a decent year last season despite being on a subpar Red Wings team. With this tandem, Detroit should have 2 viable options in net when ever they play. This Detroit team is going to be scary in the next 2 seasons. But, right now I think they are lacking in experience on this roster to make a playoff run. But, if this team happens to get hot at the right time, they can be a force to be reckoned with.

Record Prediction- 42-36-4

Playoff Prediction- No