It was a heartbreaking end to the season for the Detroit Red Wings.
They had just pulled off an incredible overtime win against the Montreal Canadiens, thanks to David Perron’s last-second goal. But as they celebrated, news broke that the Philadelphia Flyers’ coach John Tortorella had pulled his goalie, leading to a game-winning empty-net goal by the Washington Capitals. This move knocked Detroit out of playoff contention.
The Red Wings were used to making it to the playoffs for over 25 years. The 2023-24 season was their closest shot in recent years. Steve Yzerman built a strong team with key signings, but inconsistency hurt them at crucial moments. Losing twice to Arizona Coyotes and struggling against Ottawa Senators didn’t help either.
Key Additions & Departures:
Additions:
- Vladimir Tarasenko (RW)
- Cam Talbot (G)
- Erik Gustafsson (D)
- William Lagesson (D)
- Tyler Motte (LW)
- Jack Campbell (G)
Departures:
- David Perron (LW)
- Daniel Sprong (RW)
- Shayne Gostisbehere (D)
- James Reimer (G)
Offense:
Yzerman’s plan has always been about building a strong team. Last season, they scored 278 goals, more than some playoff teams including champions Florida Panthers. Lucas Raymond shined with career-highs: 31 goals, 41 assists, and 72 points . Captain Dylan Larkin also played well despite injuries.
Patrick Kane returned from injury and showed flashes of brilliance in his 50 games. The big addition for next season is Vladimir Tarasenko who signed a two-year deal after winning with the Panthers. With such talent, Detroit’s power play should be among the best in NHL again.
Fans are hopeful this offensive firepower will lead them back into playoffs.
Defense:
While scoring wasn’t an issue, defense sometimes was shaky. Yzerman addressed this by signing Erik Gustafsson and William Lagesson for depth on defense. Veterans like Ben Chiarot and Olli Maatta bring experience but struggle with consistency at times.
Moritz Seider continues improving each year and is now considered one of NHL’s top defenders if he keeps progressing . Eyes will also be on young prospect Simon Edvinsson who many believe could have helped last season if called up earlier.
Goaltending:
Yzerman shook things up again in goaltending this offseason by signing veterans Cam Talbot and Jack Campbell while letting James Reimer go . Alex Lyon played big minutes when Ville Husso got injured last year; he might earn significant playing time again despite competition from Talbot and Husso heading into training camp .
Husso’s health issues led them to sign Talbot who performed well behind LA Kings’ system earning an All-Star invite . Jack Campbell joins after being bought out by Edmonton Oilers; he’ll likely mentor top prospect Sebastian Cossa in AHL .
Coaching:
Derek Lalonde enters his third season as head coach bringing valuable experience from Tampa Bay Lightning where he learned under Jon Cooper during their back-to-back Cup wins . He continues growing alongside his team proving himself as solid bench boss .
Lalonde finds groove as head coach showing growth parallel with players even though NHL isn’t development league per se .
Rookies:
With Edvinsson & Berggren no longer rookies it’ll be interesting which prospects step up next season . Marco Kasper made waves playing final game of 2022-23 season before spending last year developing versatility in AHL Griffins . He along with Carter Mazur are close to getting call-up .
Many within organization feel Albert Johansson might make jump soon given confidence boost seen over first two seasons in AHL both ends rink .
Burning Questions:
1⃣ Will Simon Edvinsson start on top pair? Probably not initially though he has tools becoming No1 defenseman eventually .
What do you think?
