EP Rinkside’s “JFresh” analyzed NHL teams’ offseason moves from an analytical perspective, ranking the 5 most improved and 5 least improved teams. According to JFresh, the Red Wings may or may not have improved their playoff position, but they definitely improved their stead:
#1 – Detroit Red Wings
Net Gain: 8.2 wins above replacement
Last summer general manager Steve Yzerman treated free agency like a kid in a candy shop, taking advantage of a clear cap payroll to essentially buy a bunch of wins, fill in gaps in the lineup, and build a bridge to contention. The results were mixed, with some players simply not fitting in and the team finishing 12 points out of a playoff spot, behind competitors like the Senators and Sabres.
He followed a similar playbook this summer, but the names are a bit more appealing. The headliner, Alex DeBrincat, has a star-level track record and will easily replace a winger in Kubalik who was far more limited. J.T. Compher does seem a little redunant after the investment the team made in Andrew Copp last summer, but did break out as an excellent shut-down pivot in big minutes for the Avalanche in 2022-23. Shayne Gostisbehere and Justin Holl are essentially a new second pairing, each of them underrated and capable of making a strong breakout pass; Daniel Sprong and Klim Kostin add much-needed scoring touch.
Can this team properly compete? Are they setting themselves up for frustration down the road? This all remains to be seen. But this is a major infusion of NHL talent.
Continued (paywall); take the praise where you can get it…
