from Bob Wojnowski of the Detroit News,

Now as the Red Wings and Pistons prepare to open with rebuilt rosters and restocked interest, it can’t happen again, can it? Well, I suppose it could. Traumatized fans might fear the worst, understandably. But I think there are notable differences, starting with aggressive GMs in Steve Yzerman and Troy Weaver, and young talent packed with promise. Enough for either team to make the playoffs? Don’t push it. Enough to stay relevant longer than a quarter of the way into the season? Yes....

Yzerman’s plan is taking shape. He has drafted impactful players in Moritz Seider and Lucas Raymond to grow with established mainstays Dylan Larkin and Tyler Bertuzzi. He made solid veteran acquisitions in Andrew Copp and David Perron, and defensemen Ben Chiarot and Olli Maatta. The Wings finally might have options and stability at goalie with Ville Husso, acquired from the Blues to compete with Alex Nedeljkovic. Thanks to good drafting, they’re also stockpiling talent in the minors.

Yzerman tapped his successful Tampa Bay lineage and hired Lalonde, who’s charged with coaxing defensive responsibility out of players. The Wings upgraded virtually every area through free agency and trades, and people have noticed. They were 25th in the league with 74 points last season, and Vegas now pegs their over-under total at 84.5.

“I believe we’ll be a better hockey team this year,” Yzerman said. “But with a lot of changes, it can take some time for things to settle in, for everybody to get familiar with one another. I’m cautiously optimistic.”

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