Three things the Detroit Red Wings must do this off-season if they want to be NHL playoff contenders again
Photo credit: NHL.COM
The Detroit Red Wings once again missed the playoffs after a rough second-half stretch of the NHL season, and these three changes should be considered if they'd like to get back into post-season contention.
Frustrations are growing in Detroit between players and an irate fan base due to the lack of support given by Red Wings management, backed by general manager Steve Yzerman, over the past several years.
Under Todd McLellan the Red Wings excelled, but Yzerman waited far too long to let go of Derick Lalonde, who ruined any hopes of a post-season clinch.
There is a large amount of things that the Red Wings must do to reach the playoffs, and here are three of the most important ones:
Promoting young Red Wings forwards
Kasper & Berggren Top-6 Minutes
Marco Kasper was a standout on the Red Wings' top six offensive lines this past season, and he has proved he has what it takes to play behind team captain Dylan Larkin in many years to come.
Fellow young forward Jonatan Berggren is in a similar but different position, as he has affecitvely been able to produce but has not been given any opportunities by coaching staff to take his game to the next level.
He tallied up 15 goals and 28 points in 67 games as a rookie just two seasons ago, and than got demoted to the AHL's Grand Rapids Griffins last season.
Berggren has shown promise, and should certainly be given a lineup spot over struggling, and costly forward Vladimir Tarasenko.
Buying out Justin Holl
As we and team sources reported months ago, the Red Wings are expected to buyout defenseman Justin Holl.
A move that should've been done a lot sooner, will still have positive impacts if actually done this off-season, opening up a roster spot for a potential free agent acquisition on defense.
Much better depth is needed
It is still in the air of Patrick Kane, Craig Smith and Tyler Motte will re-sign in Detroit as all three are unrestricted free agents, but the Red Wings must explore better depth-piece options over Motte and Smith.
Players like Dominik Shine and Auston Watson should have never been given games with the NHL club, but due to the lack of depth and Steve Yzerman's lack of support at the trade deadline, they had no option.
Which out of these 3 do you believe is most crucial for the Red Wings to get done?
| POLL | ||
MAI 9 | 85 ANSWERS Three things the Detroit Red Wings must do this off-season if they want to be NHL playoff contenders again Which out of these 3 options would benefit the Red Wings the most? | ||
| Justin Holl buyout | 24 | 28.2 % |
| Acquiring depth players | 17 | 20 % |
| Acquiring a defenseman | 44 | 51.8 % |
| List of polls | ||
