The Detroit Red Wings rebuild seems to be taking shape as Steve Yzerman has had some time to put his stamp on the roster. Are the Red Wings ready to push toward the postseason?
2021-2022 Season Performance
Regular Season
The Red Wings showed some flashes early in the 21/22 season, hinting that their rebuild may be ready to take a step forward. They weren’t able to sustain it over the full season, though, and they settled in well outside the playoff cut-off. Their team metrics weren’t great over the full season, with a poor expected goal differential at 5v5 and poor goaltending. Their prospects started to have an impact at the NHL level, however, with Lucas Raymond and Moritz Seider both making the roster out of training camp.
Looking Ahead to 2022-2023
Offseason Moves
The Red Wings moved early in the summer to shore up their goaltending situation. They traded for pending UFA Ville Husso’s rights and signed him to a 3 year contract. Husso had a strong season in St Louis last year, leading to a projection as a capable starting goaltender this season.
The Red Wings also added supporting talent around their young core in free agency, signing the likes of Ben Chiarot, Mark Pysyk, David Perron and Andrew Copp. None of the additions are likely to push Detroit’s young stars from their key roles, but add depth around them that should make the team more competitive.
22/23 Roster
The Red Wings roster looks ready to turn a corner this season. They rate above average in overall team strength, led by a strong goaltending tandem. They still lack overall depth, both at forward and defense, however and team defense could be a concern.
Atlantic Division Landscape
The Atlantic Division boasts four strong incumbent playoff teams that all look capable of returning to the postseason. The Red Wings are not far behind, however, and a few breakout performances or a slip by one of the teams ahead could give Detroit a run at a playoff spot this season.
Long Term Outlook
The Yzerplan appears to be coming along nicely in Detroit. The Red Wings have few players under longer term deals and most of the players they do have on the books are either developing or in their prime. Their spending efficiency is also strong through the full 5 year forecast.
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Historical player data from Natural Stat Trick. Contract data from CapFriendly.
