Pro Hockey Talk has been posting a series of articles discussing the offseason machinations of the NHL’s 31 teams, and this evening, James O’Brien wrote an article discussing the state of the Detroit Red Wings, taking into context Tyler Bertuzzi’s 1-year, $3.5 million arbitration award as part of the team’s 2020-2021 season outlook.
O’Brien offers three points of emphasis: Bertuzzi, the Wings’ contractual situation, and the team’s prospects as part of the team’s fluid future:
Beyond [Lucas] Raymond and [Moritz] Seider, there’s also Filip Zadina and others who might make it, including Joe Veleno.
Still, after missing the playoffs for four straight seasons (and failing to win a playoff series since 2012-13), Red Wings fans might want to see more progress.
That’s where the near future comes in. Can Yzerman continue to add volume, and maybe also gain more blue-chippers? Detroit’s drafted a lot of players lately, including selecting nine second-rounders and six third-rounders over the last three years. Gaining more premium picks may be key, though. (They’ve drafted four instead of the customary three first-rounders during that same three-year period, but Joe Veleno wasn’t far from Round 2 at pick 30 in 2018.)
Much of the Red Wings’ future revolves around developing the Zadinas and Raymonds. Quite a bit also hinges on exploiting opportunities in free agency and trades. Being that Thomas Greiss is 34 and Jonathan Bernier is 32, Detroit should also be alert when it comes to targeting goalies.
Like Bertuzzi entering his contract year, the Red Wings’ most important work lies ahead. They’ve been hit-or-miss in ways that parallel Bertuzzi’s mix of strong offense and shaky defense, too.