NHL.com is providing in-depth roster, prospect and fantasy analysis for each of its 32 teams from Aug. 8-Sept. 8. Today, the Detroit Red Wings.
from Nicholas J. Cotsonika of the NHL website,
The Detroit Red Wings hope to be more competitive in their fourth season under general manager Steve Yzerman after adding a new coach and several new players.
"We're definitely poised to take a big step this season," center Andrew Copp said after signing a five-year, $28.125 million contract (average annual value $5.625 million) as an unrestricted free agent July 13.
The Red Wings (32-40-10) finished sixth in the Atlantic Division last season and failed to qualify for the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the sixth straight time, while ranking at or near the bottom of the NHL in each major category -- goals (227, 25th), goals against (310, 31st), power play (16.3 percent, 26th) and penalty kill (73.8 percent 32nd).
They will look far different after the offseason additions of coach Derek Lalonde, goalie Ville Husso, defensemen Ben Chiarot, Olli Maatta and Mark Pysyk, and Copp, Dominik Kubalik and David Perron at forward.
"I think we've addressed some needs," Yzerman said. "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 that we'll score more goals, we'll give up fewer goals. I'm hoping our power play will be a little bit better, our penalty killing is a little bit better, our goals against is a little bit better, and that pushes us higher up the standings."
continued, plus...
Red Wings 32 in 32: 3 Questions | Top prospects | Fantasy breakdown
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