The Free Press’s Helene St. James and Jeff Seidel make Red Wings 2018-19 season predictions today. From St. James:
Best-case scenario: Young players show growth, team looks competitive but comes up a goal short most games. Wings miss the playoffs and luck out in the draft lottery to get the first overall selection. Hello, Jack Hughes.
Worst-case scenario: They win just enough games to squeeze into the playoffs only to get ousted in the first round, depriving them off a shot at the draft lottery. They need at least one more high-end player to nourish the rebuilding effort.
Leading scorer: Dylan Larkin should lead the Wings in points if he improves his power-play production. Anthony Mantha leads them in goals, flirting with the 30-goal mark.
Best rookie: Michael Rasmussen. He’s 6-foot-6 and thrives around the net. He’s only 19, but level-headed and unlikely to get rattled as he adjusts to NHL level.
