As we approach the 2016-17 season, we’re previewing what’s ahead for each of the 30 NHL teams. Let’s examine the Detroit Red Wings.
MAIN SUMMER HEADLINES
• Pavel Datsyuk leaves Red Wings for KHL’s SKA St. Petersburg
• Datsyuk contract traded to Arizona Coyotes
• Red Wings sign forward Thomas Vanek for one year
• Frans Nielsen signed to six-year, $31.5 million contract
Head coach: Jeff Blashill
GM: Ken Holland
Team payroll: $77.86 million ($73 million salary cap)
2015-16 Record: 41-30-11 (Third in Atlantic)
GF: 211 (23rd in NHL)
GA: 224 (17th in NHL)
Result: Lost in first round to Tampa Bay, 4-1
Key acquisitions: Frans Nielsen, Thomas Vanek, Steve Ott
Key departures: Pavel Datsyuk, Brad Richards
Rookies to watch: Anthony Mantha was chosen 20th overall by the Red Wings in 2013. The 6-foot-5, 220-pound winger has since played two full seasons with the AHL’s Grand Rapids Griffins, collecting 36 goals and 42 assists in 122 games. He then got a 10-game taste of NHL action last season. Basically, he’s been brought along the Red Wing Way, which means he’ll be ready to perform in his first full NHL season.
Mantha may be big, but he’s not a bruiser. He’s got a solid skating stride and he’s a finesse scorer. The Wings can only hope he becomes the player who scored back-to-back 50-goal seasons with the QMJHL’s Val d’Or Foreurs before turning pro.
Detroit will have a successful season if…
The offence rebounds from a season that saw them finish 23rd in the NHL in goals (211).
Losing Pavel Datsyuk won’t help, but Frans Nielsen and Thomas Vanek should fit in well with Detroit’s style of play. Mantha is on the rise, as are youngsters Dylan Larkin, Riley Sheahan, Andreas Athanasiou, Tomas Jurco and Teemu Pulkkinen.
This team needs a big season from Tomas Tatar and Gustav Nyquist. Both players scored 11 more points in 2014-15 than they did in 2015-16. They have the talent to rebound.
And if Henrik Zetterberg can put together his 10th season of 50 points or more, this team has a chance to extend its playoff streak to 26 consecutive seasons. Are you betting against them?
Detroit will have an unsuccessful season if…
Petr Mrazek drops the ball in net.
He’s got a capable backup in Jimmy Howard, but Mrazek has to carry the load for Detroit to be successful this season. The expectations are high. After he went 27-16-6 last season with a .921 save percentage, the Wings signed him to a two-year, $8 million prove-it deal. However, there is some reason for concern, as he faded at the end of the season.
If Mrazek isn’t a stud, and if the offence doesn’t rebound from last year’s downward trend, the Red Wings are going to be in deep trouble.
