The Free Press’s Helene St. James posted answers to two reader questions in a mailbag feature, including answering why GM Steve Yzerman has kept Jeff Blashill on as the Red Wings’ coach, as well as discussing Blashill’s future:
As for the second part of the question: Blashill is on the hot seat. He is entering the last year of his contract and will be in charge of an improved roster.
Yzerman has made multiple changes, bringing in forwards Vladislav Namestnikov and Bobby Ryan, defensemen Marc Staal, Jon Merrill and Troy Stecher, and goaltender Thomas Greiss. With the caveat that injuries can change things, the perception is the Wings can put together three scoring lines, solid defensive pairs, and have two goaltenders who’ll give them a chance to win.
They don’t look like a playoff team, but they will be expected to be more competitive.
