ATLANTIC DIVISION

Detroit Red Wings (7th)

Record: 35-37-10 80 Pts

Missed the playoffs

Key Subtractions: Dominik Kubalik (traded to Senators), Gustav Lindstrom (traded to Canadiens), Filip Zadina (signed with Sharks), Alex Nedeljkovic (signed with Penguins), Pius Suter (signed with Canucks)

Key Additions: Alex DeBrincat, Jeff Petry, J.T. Compher, James Reimer, Shayne Gostisbehere, Justin Holl, Alex Lyon, Daniel Sprong, Klim Kostin, Christian Fischer

Overview: Playing in a competitive division, the rebuilding Red Wings were inconsistent under new coach Derek Lalonde in his first year. The former Lightning assistant coach learned what it was like to be in charge of a team that hasn’t made the postseason since Red Wing greats Pavel Datsyuk and Henrik Zetterberg starred.

Although they picked it up following the All-Star break, they weren’t good enough to break a playoff drought that’s now up to seven years. Due to falling out of the race, gone are Tyler Bertuzzi and Filip Hronek. Each was moved by Steve Yzerman at the last trade deadline. He did well in adding a 2024 first round pick from Boston for Bertuzzi. Yzerman got both a first and second from the Canucks for Hronek.

After a disappointing first season back home, Andrew Copp needs to bounce back. Yzerman didn’t pay him handsomely to score single digits in goals and struggle with consistency. He needs to better support captain Dylan Larkin, who established new career highs in assists (47), points (79), and power play goals (16). Larkin continues to blossom into a complete player who will lead the way.

At least David Perron produced as expected. The veteran continues to be an asset who’s capable at even strength and on the power play. His top heavy shot remains a weapon on the man-advantage.

For the Red Wings to reach the playoffs, they’ll need both newcomers, Alex DeBrincat and J.T. Compher to supply the offense. They were both brought in to provide more scoring. DeBrincat got his wish when Ottawa dealt him to Detroit in the summer. Dominik Kubalik was part of the package that went the other way for the two-time 40-goal man. He got paid an average cap hit of $7.875 million through 2027. He better fill the net.

Compher was a key piece of the Avalanche when they won the Stanley Cup. A year after committing dollars and years to Copp, Yzerman went similar on the 28-year-old forward who managed a career best 52 points (17-35-52). That better not be an outlier. A solid secondary player, Compher will make an AAV of $5.1 million thru 2028. They’re counting on him to perform.

The Wings are hoping Robby Fabbri can return healthy. He should be a top nine forward, along with former Kraken Daniel Sprong, who might prove to be a good signing. He’s signed for a year and will make $2 million.

Lucas Raymond had a bit of a sophomore jinx. He got off to a bad start, struggling mightily. After posting 23-24-57 in his rookie year, he went 17-28-45 in Year Two. A good skater who can dangle, the 21-year-old remains a key player for the Wings. If he can put it altogether in a contract year, 30 goals is possible. We’ll see if he’s up to the challenge.

The depth should be supplied by Michael Rasmussen, Jonathan Berggren, and energizer Klim Kostin. Kostin was a solid contributor with Edmonton. He plays a gritty game. Signed for two years at two million per season, he should provide a spark to a roster that needs it. Kostin can score double digits and mix it up.

Much depends on the defense and goaltending. Mo Seider is the anchor of the blue line. Following a tough start, the former Calder winner had a strong second half. A physical force who also possesses the skills, Seider is the staple for the Winged Wheel.

They’re hoping that adding veterans Jeff Petry and Justin Holl, it’ll stabilize a blue line that wasn’t very good. Petry is more proven than Holl, who received a three-year deal at an AAV of $3.4 million with a moderated no-trade clause.

Ben Chiarot and Olli Maatta remain key cogs. Shayne Gostisbehere was brought in to provide offense. He’s always been able to score and set up goals. Defense has never been a strong suit. At least he’s only signed for 2023-24. He has a moderated NTC. So, they can always flip him next deadline.

There’s also Jake Walman and former first round pick Simon Edvinsson. Walman will have a role while Edvinsson is allowed to develop in the AHL.

If it seems like the Red Wings are overly reliant on vets, it’s because they are. We’ll see how it goes.

Ville Husso is the number one goalie. At one point last season, he was brilliant. However, the former Blue fell victim to the inconsistencies of the Red Wings. He also made a career high 56 starts in his third season. Husso finished 26-22-7 with a 3.11 GAA, .896 save percentage, and four shutouts.

Out is Alex Nedeljkovic. In are James Reimer and Alex Lyon. They should help provide Lalonde with better options to spell Husso.

Analysis: It’s tough to figure out if this overhauled roster will be good enough to qualify for the postseason. The scoring should improve.

The defense will be more essential to whether or not the Red Wings can climb the ladder in the Atlantic Division. There’s pressure to perform. Yzerman invested a lot of money in good players who aren’t stars. He also paid DeBrincat top dollar to score like one.

Is this a good enough roster to end the playoff drought?

Prediction: There’s no doubt that the Bruins and Lightning are more vulnerable. However, they’re well established. With the Panthers likely pushing the Maple Leafs, that leaves the Red Wings, Senators, and Sabres to challenge for a wildcard.

The divisional match-ups should matter. But there’s still not enough games due to the unbalanced schedule. You’ll still have some meaningful three – and four-point games.

Forty wins and between 85 to 90 points feels realistic. That won’t be enough to make the playoffs.