The Score’s Matt Teague issues “NHL offseason grades” to each and every one of the Atlantic Division’s 16 teams, and he gives the Red Wings fairly high marks for a busy “summer’s” worth of additions and subtractions:
Several longtime regulars won’t be back with the Red Wings after Detroit took a few more offseason steps on its slow ascent back to contention.
With the old guard out, general manager Steve Yzerman shifted his attention to the team’s young nucleus. Yzerman locked up goal-scorer Mantha to a four-year deal, gave Fabbri an extension, and inked Bertuzzi for one year to keep his RFA status intact next offseason.
The Red Wings also wisely landed a second-round pick for taking Staal‘s expiring contract from the Rangers. The 33-year-old won’t necessarily improve Detroit’s chances of winning, but his veteran presence could go a long way for the club’s young core.
Bringing in Greiss to play alongside Jonathan Bernier gives Detroit a respectable tandem in goal, though it remains to be seen how successful the German puck-stopper will be without the Islanders’ strong defensive system in front of him.
Overall, the Red Wings took care of their in-house talent and added some veteran pieces that should make the team more competitive than it was in 2019-20.
Grade: B+
I certainly agree with off season rating. As for next year,maybe flip a coin for bottom 5 (if a couple of prospects make the team). Realistically closer to the bottom 3. Maybe the useless Bingo Ball pick will finally be normal (for the Wings).
Pretty short season so weird things will happen ( games in the season maybe in the 40’s , so far). Any less games increases weirdness, more games increases chance of closer to normal (whatever that is). I should be a politician, say a lot but none is usable info.
Will be an ‘exciting’ upcoming draft. Players with far less playing time, scouts relying mostly on video due to closed buildings/travel restrictions to/from Canada, and more.
Plus, many teams might not even play, thus creating near total lack of exposure for some players.
Already impacts, e.g., Aatu Raty whose stock is falling from #1-#3 ratings to as low as #16 (last couple of days).
Probably will be lots of ‘hidden gems’ after next draft completed. NHL teams with the best scouting staffs might flourish! 🙂
No Finn has been picked #1 in the Draft (Bingo Ball Bettman) will make sure the Wings pick is lower than it should be. I can see why Aatu Raty has a shot at a top pick. Maybe by the end of the year?
Someone once said “You can’t have too many Centers”. Wings may be head that way.
Yes, Scouting practices will be reborn with Covid.