It's not that the Detroit Red Wings are rebuilding or have completely fallen off the map, but the Motor City has been pining for a little bit more than what the their hockey team has offered in the last couple of seasons.
It’s been four years since the Red Wings last won the Stanley Cup and they were last in the Cup finals in the 2008-09 season, but the standard in Detroit is high.
The big story of the offseason will focus around 41-year-old captain Nicklas Lidstrom and whether he will return for his 20th NHL season. He’s also a free agent.
Regardless, if the Red Wings can upgrade their blue line, they’ll be in contention at the top of the West once again.
What They’ve Got:
The Red Wings are loaded with offensive weapons and there are really no qualms in that area.
They are also loaded with veterans – most of whom are in their prime – and can put the biscuit in the basket. The Red Wings had 13 goals scorers hit double-figures this season, which speaks of just how much depth they really have. The scoring did not see them break into the top 'over' teams in hockey betting however, which shows a tight defense.
They have a phenomenal coaching staff that milks the most of their talent and continues to find and develop new projects as well. Dan Cleary was a big surprise with 26 goals, Patrick Eaves scored 13 and Drew Miller had 10. The latter two are free agents.
In the net, Jimmy Howard continues to improve and his 37 wins were the third-most in the NHL. The 27-year-old took a step back statistically, but he showed what he’s capable of in the playoffs and the Red Wings know they’ve got a No. 1 goaltender who figures to only improve with age.
What They Need:
When it comes the hockey trading, the Red Wings need more on the blue line. As mentioned, Howard’s numbers declined last season aside from his wins, and that can be correlated to the defensive corps in front of him.
Lidstrom is likely to return for one more season but Brian Rafalski’s surprise retirement has left the Red Wings somewhat thin. Brad Stuart and Niklas Kronwall are good top-four defensemen, but the Red Wings need a No. 1 blue liner, who offers a physical presence and a peak in the future. The Red Wings don’t have Lidstrom’s heir on the roster.
The Red Wings also must determine whether Joey MacDonald can in fact be the primary backup to Howard. If not, the Red Wings need to find someone who can give Howard a breather for at least 20 games next season.
Outlook:
The Red Wings are in fairly good shape going forward, even though they have nine unrestricted free agents. That list includes: Mike Modano, Kris Draper, Patrick Eaves, Drew Miller, Nicklas Lidstrom, Ruslan Salei, Jonathan Ericsson, Chris Osgood and Joey MacDonald.
Without question, Lidstrom is the priority but beyond that, the Red Wings will likely make an effort for Eaves and Miller, but won’t break their backs for anyone else.
With the offensive weapons that are on this roster, the Red Wings are in fine shape to compete in the West and get into the playoffs. How far they go will be determined by whether they can find cap room for a player like Kevin Bieksa – or another top defenseman – and bolster a blue that let them down in the 2010-11 season.