The Athletic’s Max Bultman undertook a project that’s not easy by any means in projecting the roster with which the Detroit Red Wings will begin the 2022-2023 regular season. Here’s the introduction to his article:
Steve Yzerman is keeping the phone lines open — saying he “wouldn’t be doing (his) job” if he weren’t exploring potential trade opportunities that may arise — but after a frenzied free agency period, the Red Wings general manager has already largely accomplished what he set out to this offseason.
“Today, July 14, I think we’ve improved the team,” Yzerman said. “But we’ve gotta go on the ice in September and then play in October. I think we’ve addressed some needs. I’m hoping we’re a better team. I think we’re progressing slowly in this rebuilding of the Red Wings. Are we good enough to make the playoffs next year? I don’t know.
“I’m hopeful that we’ll score more goals, we’ll give up fewer goals. I’m hoping our power play will be a little bit better, our penalty killing is a little bit better, our goals against is a little bit better, and that pushes us higher up the standings.”
All told, Detroit signed six likely NHLers in the first 24 hours of free agency, with former Sabres defenseman Mark Pysyk joining the fold on Thursday. The Red Wings also added goaltender Ville Husso via trade last week. The depth chart already looks a lot different, with upgrades at multiple key positions.
“I’m cautiously, or nervously, optimistic,” Yzerman said. “I think we have more depth. I think we can match up a little bit against other teams. And I just keep my fingers crossed that it plays out that way.”
