DobberHockey’s Brendan Des makes “Bold Predictions” for the 2023-2024 season this morning, and his comment about the Red Wings is a little optimistic:
Detroit Red Wings – David Perron flirts with a 70-point pace
A lot of the focus in Detroit seems to be on Alex Debrincat, the team’s high profile offseason acquisition. When people consider who benefits from DeBrincat’s arrival, Dylan Larkin, the team’s captain and top forward is the first name that comes to mind. However, David Perron, who’s set to start the campaign beside Larkin and DeBrincat, is flying under the radar despite being in a great situation. Although Perron posted an underwhelming 56-point pace last year, he’d paced for 65+ points in five straight campaigns before that.
Continued; I’m certain that Perron will score more points this season, but I’m not certain how high he’ll go.
Bold prediction and I hate to be negative before the season starts, but I could definitely see Yzerman trade him at the deadline if things go south. The roster has improved, but the division is still stacked and I think Ottawa and Buffalo are both ahead of us in the rebuild. Outside of Montreal, every other team is better or on par with us.