from Ted Kulfan of the Detroit News,

With the NHL regular season paused because of the coronavirus pandemic, let’s review some of the surprises and disappointments of the Wings’ season.

Surprises

Tyler Bertuzzi: If Bernier wasn’t the Wings’ MVP, then it would have to be Bertuzzi. He was the Wings’ representative at the All-Star Game, and deservedly so. Bertuzzi led the team with 21 goals, and his 48 points only trailed Dylan Larkin (53). Bertuzzi can play in a variety of roles and his consistency has been admirable.

Alex Biega: He was a shrewd acquisition by general manager Steve Yzerman early in the season. Biega outperformed expectations, getting into 49 games, and becoming a dependable third-pairing defenseman. He got a one-year contract extension and he earned it.

Disappointments

Justin Abdelkader: Another subpar season for a veteran forward whose future in the organization is uncertain. Abdelkader had no goals while playing 49 games and was losing his spot in the lineup. At age 33, there’s been severe regression in performance the last two seasons.

more of each...