The Hockey News’s Matt Larkin penned a column discussing the “Stanley Cup Windows” of the Atlantic Division’s teams, and as you might expect, the Red Wings’ “window” hasn’t opened yet:
REBUILDERS: Detroit Red Wings, Ottawa Senators
The Wings and Senators know who they are at this point. New Detroit GM Steve Yzerman played things conservatively this off-season. He likely knows he’s hamstrung by the collection of ugly leftover veteran contracts he inherited and didn’t make the mistake of believing his team is ready to contend yet. Detroit has begun doing something it never got to do during its 25-year playoff streak: hoard high-end prospects. Recent first-rounders Filip Zadina, Joe Veleno and Moritz Seider will eventually elevate the team’s talent level to support leader Dylan Larkin and project Michael Rasmussen but, aside from Zadina, won’t be making an NHL impact this season. Detroit remains years away from contention.
