The start of training camp is usually an optimistic affair for the vast majority of NHL teams. The Red Wings may be an exception to this rule given the cloudy nature of Dylan Larkin’s future and Shawn Horcoff’s tenure of employment, but the Red Wings’ players and coach attempted to put on a brave face regarding coming into a season defined by a tumultuous off-season.
Detroit Hockey Now’s Bob Duff took note of the clouds, and issued a difficult forecast for the Wings while mentioning the team’s defiance against, if not obliviousness(?) to their uncertain situation:
“We’ll be ready [for the season opener] October 2nd,” defenseman Ben Chiarot said. “I think all of us are on the same page: management, coaches, and players. We’re all moving forward as a team here. And I think the mentality in the room is good right now.”
Since we last left the Red Wings, following their 10th successive season without a playoff appearance, a lot has happened. None of it was good.
Steve Yzerman was removed as GM. Dylan Larkin requested a trade, and when no move was immediately forthcoming, he was stripped of the captaincy. Earlier this week, Shawn Horcoff was named interim GM because, apparently, the team couldn’t find someone to take the job on a full-time basis.
“No question, things were unsettled in the summer,” Chiarot said.
Coach McLellan offered an honest assessment of where the Red Wings are headed this season…
“I don’t have the answer to that question,” McLellan said. “I could sit up here and lie and try and beat around the bush, but I have no idea what’s in front of us.”
And while Duff believes that the Wings are probably doomed, Chiarot doesn’t buy into that narrative, even though the team’s lost Patrick Kane and James van Riemsdyk’s offensive production:
“It’s a mindset,” Chiarot said. “It’s the guys in the room being harder, being mentally stronger, physically stronger. All things that we’ve talked about in here.”
