The Score’s Josh Wegman issues offseason grades for Atlantic Division teams this morning, and here’s what he has to say about the Red Wings:
Detroit Red Wings: In a perfect world, the Red Wings would’ve signed Raymond and Seider to extensions last offseason. Raymond’s price, specifically, would’ve been far lower. It’s still a fair contract, but it remains to be seen if he’ll be able to repeat his breakout 72-point season that was buoyed by a robust 19% shooting percentage.
The Red Wings still have more than enough cap space to give Seider a slightly more expensive long-term deal, but a bridge deal feels increasingly likely the longer this drags out. It’s difficult to give Detroit a high grade with Seider unsigned.
However, the Gustafsson contract is very team-friendly, and Kane and Tarasenko should both provide veteran leadership and offensive punch. Kane, in particular, vastly exceeded expectations last season coming off hip surgery. All three players are old and liabilities defensively, though, which isn’t ideal for a team that needs to improve at five-on-five. The 37-year-old Talbot doesn’t solve the team’s goaltending concerns, either.
Grade: D+
Continued…OH NO OLD PLAYERS. Oy.
Gotta laugh at the poster who allow for no comments and feedback.
Hard to take that seriously.