from Bob Duff of Detroit Hockey Now,

“Today, it’s July 14, I think we’ve improved the team,” Yzerman said. “But we got to go on the ice in September and play in October. I think we’ve addressed some needs, I’m hoping we’re a better team. I think we’re progressing slowly in this rebuilding of the Red Wings.

“Are we good enough to make the playoffs next year? I don’t know. I’m hopeful we’ll score more goals, we’ll give up fewer goals. I’m hoping our power play will be a little better, our penalty kill is a little bit better, our goals against is a little bit better and that pushes us higher up the standings.”

If the Red Wings improve in all of those areas, they might at least be in the hunt for the playoffs. Don’t forget that Yzerman also traded for goalie Villi Husso who is coming off an exceptional season.

“Time will tell,” Yzerman said. “I’m optimistic that we’re progressing, but the plan hasn’t really changed.”
That means the Red Wings are still building through the draft and last year’s first-round pick Simon Edvinsson will be given an opportunity to be a regular on defense.

“He’s a great D,” fellow Red Wings draft pick Theodor Niederbach says about Edvinsson. “He has size, skill and speed. He can play O-zone, D-zone, anywhere. I would say he’s almost a complete D-man.”

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