Wings Offseason Needs

Team: 2022-23 Detroit Red Wings

Initial Creation Date: Mar. 11, 2022

Published: Mar. 11, 2022

Salary Cap Mode: Basic

So with Detroit now being all but mathematically out of the playoff picture, I think its time to look ahead to this offseason and what needs to be done to get this team to the next level.

My assessment of their needs is:

A true 2C, unless they believe they have one in the system.

3-4 new Defensemen. Again, this could be fulfilled by what they have in the system. Edvinsson will make this team next year, but they probably need additional help. I don't see DDK, Staal, or Leddy getting re signed, nor should they be. This is the team's most glaring weakness. You're not going to make the playoffs giving up 4+ goals a night.

An experienced starting goaltender. Ned is going through a rough stretch, but this team's defensive deficiencies are obvious. I think they need a proven 1A/1B combo if they want to make a playoff push in 22/23. Do they sign a guy like Korpi who has struggled in Cbus lately? Or do they take a flyer on a one year deal on a guy the the Flower?

New head coach? I'm far from a Blash hater, but I'm not a huge supporter either. I think he's done pretty well given what he's had to work with, but the team's recent slide and total breakdown on defense has been concerning. This team had been playing hard for him up to this point, but its worth wondering if the message hasn't gone a bit stale. Time will tell if he can get this team to rally back and finish strong.

Conclusion:

Detroit has an hilarious amount of cap space, but I don't see Yzerman using a ton of it. He made it obvious at the beginning of his tenure than this team wasn't going to be rebuilt overnight. However, I think he's proven that if he can make a savvy deal to improve the team without handcuffing himself long term financially, he won't hesitate to do so.

What moves do you think he makes in the offseason?