After years of sustained success the Red Wings are in a full rebuild and a painful season was expected. Finishing 7th in the Atlantic Division and 28th overall is never fun but Dylan Larkin is quickly becoming a star and they have some good prospects on their way up.

Additions: Patrik Nemeth, Valtteri Filppula, Adam Erne, Steve Yzerman

Subtractions: Thomas Vanek, Niklas Kronwall, Martin Frk, Ken Holland

Forwards:

The Red Wings have some good young forwards that are starting to come into their own but they just aren’t elite yet. Until then their forwards will be a weak point.

Defense:

Mike Green can still provide some offense but they did lose the heart and soul of their blue line when Niklas Kronwall retired. Their d-core is old in a young man’s game and just doesn’t have the necessary punch to be considered one of the better groups.

Goalies:

Jimmy Howard is still a good goalie but it’s fair to ask how much more he has to give. Without a strong defense in front of him, this will be a tough season in the Wings net.

The Point Prediction:

The Wings are in a transition period right now after adding Steve Yzerman. He hasn’t made his mark yet on this team but we still have them being a slightly better team than last year, finishing 26th overall but 7th in the Atlantic once again.

 

(Photo by Dave Reginek/NHLI via Getty Images)