The Hockey News’s Ryan Kennedy examines what the Red Wings’ 2023-24 season roster might look like if the Wings were not to make trades or add significant prospects through the draft, essentially determining how the team’s current players and prospects might develop over time.
At forward, Kennedy expects a significant turnover:
By the time 2023-24 rolls around, the Red Wings will have a very nice set of forwards, led by captain Larkin. Naturally, Detroit fans have to hope that player such as Svechnikov, Veleno and Zadina develop on an upward trajectory, but that’s a big part of this forecasting exercise, isn’t it? Rasmussen can be an excellent third-line center with a couple bangers on his wings, while Smith brings some muscle to the fourth line. You will also notice that by this time, the Red Wings will mercifully be free of the current long-term contracts to veterans such as Justin Abdelkader and Darren Helm. It’s going to be a whole new era.
