Sports Illustrated’s Jon Alfano suggests that the New Jersey Devils, Utah Hockey Club and Detroit Red Wings are likely candidates to earn a playoff spot over the course of the 2024-2025 NHL season:
Detroit Red Wings: The Red Wings came oh so close to ending their long playoff drought last season, only losing the final wild card spot to the Capitals due to tiebreakers. It’s now been eight years since Detroit’s last playoff appearance, and the once-proud franchise is determined to get back to that point.
Unlike other teams on the list, the Red Wings didn’t make sweeping changes this offseason. The big addition former All-Star forward Vladimir Tarasenko, who just won his second Stanley Cup with the Florida Panthers. Other additions include depth pieces such as Tyler Motte and Erik Gustafsson, while their losses include David Perron, Shayne Gotsisbehere and Jake Walman.
Goaltending will be a bit of a question mark with Ville Husso, Alex Lyon and newcomer Cam Talbot between the pipes, but it should at least be good enough to not sink their chances.
With another year to build chemistry, the Red Wings should be able to improve enough to finally get back to the postseason. If they don’t, then expect there to be serious questions about general manager Steve Yzerman’s job.
Continued; I don’t expect Yzerman to be given anything less than a long leash by Chris Ilitch, because we’re only in year 7 or so of a 10-12 year rebuild. Coach Derek Lalonde, on the other hand, may indeed be on the punditry’s “hot seat.”
