Predicting the 19-20 Wings

Team: 2019-20 Detroit Red Wings

Initial Creation Date: Jan. 28, 2019

Published: Jan. 28, 2019

Salary Cap Mode: Basic

I went pretty conservative here. We'll call it the Ken Holland Approach (KHA). In keeping with that tradition, the 2019 1st round pick doesn't play in the NHL. Also in that vein, I see Veleno playing in the AHL next year at least until an injury occurs. I'd like to see him make the team out of camp though. I think he's better than Ehn so maybe he can make it, but if Svech and Zadina also make it that's three rookies at once plus Rasmussen as a 20 year old.

Jimmy re-signed because they've basically already said that they're going to do that. Would rather it be Sateri or Rybar getting a shot next year, but it's a typical Wings move.

I re-sign Witter because he's a guy who truly is "good in the room" and understands his position on the team. Also, when he's in the lineup the team plays with more energy. He's good for his cap hit.

D scratch can be Hicketts or Sulak. Take your pick.

The top-6 actually looks pretty solid. 3rd line could go either way. Fourth line is what their fourth line should be perenially and seemingly forever.

I let Jensen go. Maybe he was traded at the 18 deadline, maybe he walks, maybe he's in Daley's spot and Daley is moved at the deadline. Either way I think there are four D returning who aren't named Hronek or Cholowski. Lindstrom probably goes from the SHL to Grand Rapids to get used to the ice size to be a regular in 20-21.

I could see Kenny going after Duchene, but I doubt he comes to a rebuild. You never know though. Could also see them trying to sign Eric Staal for a year if Minnesota lets him walk. That would cover the center transition until Veleno would be a regular in 20-21.

There will probably be a different UFA that we questionably sign. There's way too much cap available for Kenny to sit still. Maybe he overpays for Duchene. Seven years would take him through age 35. Would give them a good 1-2 center tandem. It also makes it so Rasmussen isn't crucial at center. If they get lucky and draft Kakko that might actually be a real solid move.

Thoughts?