ESPN’s hockey staff attempted to discern where NHL teams will find themselves three years from now, and they concluded that the Red Wings will be a “B” level franchise going forward:
4. Detroit Red Wings
Overall score: 83.0Why they’re here: The Yzer-plan has produced a bounty of prospects — although not a franchise pillar — which earned the Red Wings sixth in that category. But it’s GM Steve Yzerman’s cap management that impressed the panel even more, ranking third overall after signing Dylan Larkin and Alex DeBrincat in the past few months. Yzerman, coach Derek Lalonde and the Ilitch family earned 12th overall, while the current Detroit roster came in 18th. –– [Greg] Wyshynski
Points of concern: Even with an aggressive offseason, the Red Wings still made the sort of moves that do not appear to jeopardize their future. CapFriendly projects they will have more than $30 million in available space next offseason, which is also the same summer in which Jonatan Berggren, Lucas Raymond and Moritz Seider are pending RFAs. Blending that level of cap management with a farm system that’s considered to be among the best in the NHL only adds to the expectations that the Red Wings could have everything needed to be a long-term presence in the Eastern Conference playoff landscape. But making those financial calls could get tricky if every prospect and young player hits. — [Ryan S.] Clark
Reason for hope: The Red Wings have been brimming with potential for a while; now they have the personnel to regain their previous playoff experience. Yzerman added scoring threat Alex DeBrincat to make Detroit more dangerous up front, Shayne Gostisbehere should be a strong addition to the top power-play unit and those exciting young players — namely Raymond and Seider — project to bounce back from slumping sophomore seasons and keep blossoming into NHL stalwarts. Detroit has been patient in the rebuilding process and this is when it can be rewarded. — [Kristen] Shilton
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