NHL Team Preview: Detroit Red Wings

The Detroit Red Wings are one of the most storied franchises in the National Hockey League, but things have not gone well for them lately. Detroit has been one of the worst teams in the league in recent years, and there isn’t a ton of hope for a big change this season. 

The Red Wings competed in the Central Division a season ago, but they are back in the Atlantic this year. Detroit has been able to stockpile some young talent over the last few seasons, and at some point, they have to take the next step in the rebuild.

This season, Detroit will have some new pieces on the ice, but they will still have the same leaders. The Red Wings could be a team that surprises some teams this season, but they would have to show some real improvement. 

Big Additions

The biggest addition that the Red Wings made this offseason was acquiring goaltender Alex Nedeljkovic from the Carolina Hurricanes. Nedeljkovic was a terrific goaltender a season ago, and it seemed strange that the Red Wings were able to acquire him.

Nick Leddy also joins the Red Wings after coming over in a trade from the New York Islanders. Leddy has had a solid career in the NHL and will provide some leadership for a relatively young roster.

Some other potential big additions include Pius Suter, Mitchell Stephens, and Carter Rowney. Detroit selected Simon Edvisson in the first round of the NHL Draft, but it’s unclear if he will contribute much this season. 

Impactful Subtractions

Since the Red Wings were a struggling team a season ago, there weren’t any big names that they couldn’t afford to give up. Detroit is losing two of their top players from a season ago, which could affect their performance on the ice this season.

Richard Panik was sent to New York in the Nick Leddy deal, which will hurt the team offensively. Jonathan Bernier is also no longer with the team, which takes away a veteran presence from the roster. 

Key Players

Arguably, the most important player for the Detroit Red Wings will be Nedeljkovic. Detroit has been searching for some consistent goaltending play for years, and there is hope that the former Hurricanes netminder will provide just that.

Dylan Larkin is the franchise’s face in Detroit, but he missed some time last season with an injury. Larkin is back with the team to begin the 2021-22 season, and the Red Wings need him to be an absolute star on offense. 

Despite scoring just two goals on the year, Filip Hronek led the Red Wings in points a season ago. The Red Wings will have to find some more consistent offensive threats, but it could be Hronek that helps to set up his teammates. 

Online Sports Betting: Detroit Red Wings

The online sports betting future odds for the Detroit Red Wings aren’t giving this team much chance to reach the playoffs. Detroit could always come through with a surprising year, resulting in a nice payday for the bettor.

The odds for Detroit to win the Atlantic Division are set at +8500, and only two teams are below them on that list. The Atlantic Division is loaded with some great teams, and Detroit will have a hard time keeping pace.

Winning the Eastern Conference used to be a theme for Detroit, but the odds are set at +5000 for that to happen this season. Making the playoffs would be a good first step for a franchise trying to turn things around.

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* All odds provided by Action247 Sportsbook and all odds subject to change.
**All views expressed are my own. My picks are my own and are not a guarantee, bet at your own risk.