NHL.com is examining each and every one of the NHL’s 32 teams this month, discussing the “Roster Reset[s]” as the free agency period has died down. Tonight, Nicholas J. Cotsonika discusses the Red Wings, who’ve turned over a full third of their roster through free agency and trades:
What they still need: High-end talent. The Red Wings added some by acquiring DeBrincat, and they bolstered their depth this offseason. General manager Steve Yzerman said they are likely finished making major moves for now. But they have missed the Stanley Cup Playoffs for seven straight seasons and face stiff competition in the Atlantic Division. To contend for the Cup again someday, they need difference-makers to emerge from the draft or their system, or they’ll need to make more moves to get them.
They said it: “I think this team’s a good fit for me, and obviously, hopefully, we can get back in the playoffs. Obviously, that’s everyone’s goal, and hopefully, it’s sooner than later, and we’ve just got to keep growing as a team and I think just put in the work to get back there.” — forward Alex DeBrincat
Fantasy focus: DeBrincat going to Detroit boosts his individual fantasy value and the Red Wings’ stacking outlook as a team. The trade gives the Red Wings three players in NHL.com’s top 75 overall fantasy rankings, with DeBrincat joining defenseman Moritz Seider and center Dylan Larkin. DeBrincat should be considered a top 40 player in the NHL among those 25 years old and younger for fantasy keeper and dynasty leagues after signing a four-year contract with Detroit after the trade. Over the past three seasons combined, DeBrincat ranks 12th in the NHL in goals (100) and could give Larkin another gear to reach after the center had an NHL career high with 79 points (32 goals, 47 assists) in 80 games last season. — Pete Jensen
Continued; if I may be honest, I still believe that the Red Wings may add another goal-scoring free agent forward and/or depth defenseman.
At this time of the season, you build for 16 forwards, 10 defensemen and 3 goalies deep at the NHL level, and the Wings are still a forward or two and defenseman short.
