2023-08-11 02:28:00
NHL.com offers in-depth analysis of each of the 32 teams between August 1 and September 1. Today, the Detroit Red Wings.
32 EN 32 RED WINGS: Three issues to watch out for | The best hopes | Analysis for poolers
The Detroit Red Wings are hoping to take another step in their rebuild this season after making several changes this offseason, starting with the acquisition of double 40-goal scorer Alex DeBrincat.
“You see a team that is maybe frustrated to be in a rebuild and wants to get out of it,” DeBrincat said. I am happy to be here and hope to be part of the solution. I can’t wait to join the guys and I see a lot of potential in this group. »
The Red Wings have been out of the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the past seven seasons, tying the longest drought (1970-77) in the team’s 97-year history.
But after hitting rock bottom with 39 points in 71 games in 2019-20, their first season under general manager Steve Yzerman, they have steadily improved each season. The Red Wings had 48 points in 56 games in 2020-21, 74 points in 82 games in 2021-22 and 80 points in 82 games last season.
They occupied the second place of fourth ace giving access to the playoffs in the Eastern Conference on February 23, before finishing 12 points behind the Florida Panthers.
Detroit was active in the offseason, adding DeBrincat along with forwards JT Compher, Daniel Sprong, Klim Kostin and Christian Fischer, defensemen Shayne Gostisbehere and Justin Holl and goaltender James Reimer.
Offensive production remains a problem for the Red Wings, who finished 24th in goals (237) last season and haven’t scored 40 in a season since Marian Hossa in 2008-09.
DeBrincat reached 40 twice with the Chicago Blackhawks in 2018-19 and 2021-22. He scored 27 goals with the Ottawa Senators last season – that total would have ranked him second on the Red Wings behind captain Dylan Larkin (32).
“There aren’t many players like that in the league, guys who grab the puck and can score on every shot,” Yzerman noted. “I think Alex falls into that category, as a maverick. With just one throw, he can change a game. »
Compher set NHL personal bests in assists (35) and points (52) with the Colorado Avalanche last season, while Sprong set personal bests in goals (21), assists (25) and points (46) with the Seattle Kraken. Kostin also set personal bests in those three categories (11-10-21) with the Edmonton Oilers.
Gostisbehere reached 17 goals (in 2015-16) and 65 points (in 2017-18) with the Philadelphia Flyers. He had 51 points (14 goals, 37 points) with the Arizona Coyotes in 2021-22.
“I think the players will be happy that we have added quality players to the roster, and we hope to be more competitive,” Yzerman said.
Compher isn’t afraid of a rebuild in Detroit. When he entered the NHL with Colorado in 2016-17, the Avalanche finished last in the League. The team finally won the Stanley Cup in 2022.
“I’ve been there on both sides, and I know what to do,” Compher said. I’m thrilled to be part of this group and building towards the ultimate goal of winning a championship. It all starts with a return to the playoffs. I’ve been through it before and I’m looking forward to this challenge too. »
Sprong also had a nice raise. He finished the 2021-22 season with the Kraken, which finished 30th in the NHL in its first season. The Kraken not only jumped 40 points in the standings to reach the playoffs last season, they were only one game away from making the Western Conference Finals. losing to the Dallas Stars in seven games in the second round.
“I can’t wait,” Sprong said. Detroit was just 12 points from a playoff berth last season. It’s only a six or seven game streak during the season. You don’t want to be too optimistic or too negative. But you’re still in on it. It’s going to be a close race for the playoffs, and I think that’s the goal for everyone in the organization this season. »
Yzerman handled expectations cautiously, refusing to say the word “series.” But the minimum objective is to progress even more.
“I don’t know where we’ll finish in the standings this season,” admitted Yzerman. But I hope we will make progress. »
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