from Ansar Khan of Mlive,

Dylan Larkin has taken a big step forward in his fourth season. Andreas Athanasiou is consistently engaged. Anthony Mantha shows flashes of developing into a top power forward. Tyler Bertuzzi is a tenacious, gritty player who can score. Dennis Cholowski has displayed offensive ability. Filip Hronek has improved during the season.

And the Detroit Red Wings have plummeted in the standings.

They were only two points out of the NHL's basement heading into the All-Star break, which leads into their bye week. If they slip further, they could have the best odds to win the NHL draft lottery (18.5 percent) for the right to choose Jack Hughes.

This could be the best of both worlds for this rebuilding franchise.

Sure, players want to win. They're trying to excel. They have pride and they're playing for their next contract, either this summer or in the near future. Certainly, coach Jeff Blashill and his staff are trying to win, their future might depend on it.

But if you're weighing a top-three pick vs. a first-round playoff exit, there is no comparison. Not anymore....

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