The Hockey Writers’ Tony Wolak wrote an intriguing article this morning, attempting to discern when the Red Wings might be able to make a sustained playoff push while building from within:
I estimate that the Red Wings’ next contention window will start in 2028. That’s when they’ll have the most players in their prime and sufficient depth.
During this time, they’ll have a top six that consists of Kasper, Brandsegg-Nygard, and Lucas Raymond, plus other players who could potentially contribute high in the lineup, including Larkin, Danielson, and Dmitri Buchelnikov. It’s possible DeBrincat is still around and producing at a middle-six pace as well. Bear, too, if he moves through the ranks quickly.
The blue line is especially promising, with Seider, Edvinsson, and Sandin Pellikka fully in their prime. Cossa and Augustine should be quality NHLers at this point, too.
Continued; Wolak’s theoretical exercise is a “good read.”
