Start The Winning

Team: 2022-23 Detroit Red Wings

Initial Creation Date: Jul. 28, 2021

Published: Jul. 28, 2021

Salary Cap Mode: Basic

Thought here is that if Wings do not find luck in next years draft lottery and land their coveted top C that can come into the NHL and make an impact, then it's time to chase a top FA and truly build a team that can push for lengthy playoff runs. They would be taking advantage of their RFA contracts during this time frame and would have a legitimate top two C's in Barkov and Larkin. I would be surprised to see Florida not push all in on re-signing Barkov, but if by some chance he's available, I think Yzerman should go all in (assuming no draft luck).

Enough cap space remains to take care of upcoming RFA's as they earn their contracts. Likely that Nurse doesn't go to open market either, but I'd be looking to solidify the top 4 with a rangy and mean D man that can log playoff minutes and can be a go to for PP mins. Werenski the following year is also a highly discussed topic. Name is interchangeable with player of your choice, but $ in that spot could even be a light.

Jenner in there to add that playoff grit that is always needed for a long run. Maybe a slight over pay here, but a guy that you lean on to get you deep through the tougher rounds.

Stop gap in goal with 2 years to Grubauer. Again interchangeable with another goalie of similar timeline and $ demand.

Ultimately - I believe a team with this look/similar to this if we're lucky enough to land a true 1C, would put Detroit on the path to playoff success and as the D men continue to develop and younger guys continue to grow and put up more points, wings will contend.