Red Wings fans, we have finally made it. Hockey is back, Detroit Red Wings hockey is back.
Tonight, the puck will drop at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, as Detroit will start a season filled with hope against the Devils.
The past two off-seasons have been exciting, but now it’s time for the Wings to put it all together on the ice and make a run for a postseason berth.
The Detroit Red Wings are arguably the greatest franchise to ever exist in hockey. However, Hockeytown hasn’t had a playoff team to cheer for since 2016. They have a very solid chance to change that this season.
Alex DeBrincat was brought back to his roots in a blockbuster trade with the Senators during the off-season. This is a player that should light the lamp a lot this year for the Red Wings. He will bring a new level of excitement to an offense that needs to improve.
Dylan Larkin signed a big contract extension after having an incredible season a year ago. He, DeBrincat, and Raymond should be expected to put up big numbers this season.
Ten new additions to the Red Wings over the off-season have ultimately made the 23-man roster ahead of the season opener. J.T. Compher signed a big contract with the Red Wings after spending some time with Detroit’s arch-rivals, the Colorado Avalanche. Compher could end up complimenting this Red Wings offense perfectly. Daniel Sprong, Klim Kostin, and Christian Fischer, all acquired during the off-season, made the team.
There were quite a few shakeups defensively as well. Shayne Gostisbehere could quietly be an incredible steal from free agency. Justin Holl was also brought in via free agency, and the Red Wings made a trade to acquire Jeff Petry, the son of Detroit Tigers legend Dan Petry.
The goaltending depth is much, much better this season as well. The Red Wings will carry three goaltenders on their roster. Ville Husso, who was the primary starter last season, and James Reimer & Alex Lyon, who signed in the off-season.
If everything goes right, and enough players step up behind Detroit’s biggest stars (Larkin, DeBrincat, Seider, Raymond), and they are able to stay healthy… This could finally be the year Detroit gets to the postseason, where they belong.
Although it’s fair to say you would expect Detroit to make the playoffs, they are far from Stanley Cup Contenders. However, this would be a major step towards that.
