Sportsnet’s Emily Sadler previews the NHL’s Central Division this morning, and here’s what she has to say about the Detroit Red Wings:
DETROIT RED WINGS
2019-20 record: 17-49-5, last in NHL
2019-20 finish: Missed playoffs, got robbed of No. 1 overall pick
2019-20 top scorer: Dylan Larkin (19G, 34A, 53 PTS)Major off-season additions: F Bobby Ryan, F Vladislav Namestnikov, D Marc Staal, D Troy Stecher, D Jon Merrill, G Thomas Greiss
Major off-season losses: F Justin Abdelkader (buyout), F Brendan Perlini, D Trevor Daley (retired), G Jimmy Howard
Best-case scenario: This one’s tough, as a rebuilding team’s idea of success isn’t always the best-case scenario, but with much of GM Steve Yzerman’s tear-down complete, we start seeing the young guns get their chances. Guided by veterans like Bobby Ryan and Marc Staal and pushed offensively by professional rebuilder Vladislav Namestnikov, we start to see the foundation of what Detroit can be. Moral victories aren’t the only wins here.
Worst-case scenario: The team limps through the season with few victories — moral or otherwise — ready to claim their rightful place atop the draft board only to have a bunch of ping pong balls declare otherwise and send the game’s top prospect to New York. Wait a sec…
