UP FROM ROCK BOTTOM
NOT ONLY IS
Steve Yzerman a first-year GM in Detroit, but he’s also a legend there, meaning the fan base will grant him maximum patience. The 2019-20 season was epic in a bad way as the Wings kept most of their top prospects off the barren NHL roster, which posted the lowest points percentage of any team since the 1999-2000 Atlanta Thrashers. Fans will be praying the draft lottery goes their way. IMMEDIATE NEEDS: The top need is warm bodies on defense, as Trevor Daley and Jonathan Ericsson go UFA. Detroit could use the vacancies to promote youngsters, but the depth is still thin enough that Yzerman may sign a veteran or two on one-year pacts with the purpose of using them as fodder for the trade deadline next winter. LONG-TERM NEEDS: With all due respect to Dylan Larkin and promising winger Filip Zadina, Detroit has no guaranteed star in its system. Landing the No. 1 or 2 pick and grabbing Alexis Lafreniere or Quinton Byfield would change that. If the Wings have bad lottery luck and drop, they could still hit a home run with Jamie Drysdale, as you can never have too many elite D-men. CAP SITUATION: Yzerman inherited a tire fire of bad contracts, but the load lightens with several veterans departing, most notably goalie Jimmy Howard. While it’s too early for Detroit to get aggressive, and it has to sort out RFAs Tyler Bertuzzi, Anthony Mantha and Robby Fabbri, few teams have more cap space. Might Yzerman take a run at Michiganborn UFA D-man Torey Krug?
IN THE SYSTEM 2020-21: Moritz Seider wasn’t a reach at No. 6 last year after all. He looks like a future top-pair beast who could force his way into Detroit’s lineup next season. Big center Michael Rasmussen was an NHLer turned AHLer this season to reboot his game. He’ll be back soon. DID YOU KNOW: The Red Wings might have the zebras on their side once prospect blueliner Jared McIsaac makes the team. His uncle Jon is an active NHL referee.