Quoting: yanp007
The future isn't very nice for Detroit. Zadina isn't the expected player for the moment. Cholowski is almost the only good prospect, I don't believe that McIsaac is a NHL'er... Rasmussen could be a 2nd liner, Hronek maybe a TOP4... This team is so old!!!!
I definitely do not agree with your assessment that the future isn't very nice for Detroit. Especially for the reasons that you have stated. Cholowski is not the only good prospect that we have.
Zadina - He may not be living up to your expectations currently, however, he is a better prospect than any in our system currently. The jump from juniors (especially from the QMJHL) to pro leagues (even the AHL) is massive, and the majority of them need a bit of time at the pro level to develop. Zadina has the added benefit of being able to go to a Pro league over juniors, which helps his development exponentially. He is an elite level prospect.
Veleno - This kid is absolutely tearing up the QMJHL this year. He is a center with elite skating and playmaking ability. He has all the skills and tools to become a top 6 forward.
McIsaac - Can you please explain your reasons behind thinking he is not an NHL caliber prospect? He is producing at more than a PPG in the QMJHL and has improved every year he's been in that league. He is an excellent skating and has a good first pass. He also plays with a bit of a mean streak.
Rasmussen - I actually think the 2nd line would be overrating his ability. He is a 3rd line player that specializes on the power play. Detroit drafted him for the sole reason to stick him in front of the net on the power play and to retrieve and protect pucks.
Hronek - Had a great first pro year and is continuing that in the NHL. He will definitely be a top 4 defenceman on this team.
I'm not including Berggren in this list as he has been injured this whole year, but I think he is also a top 6/9 forward as well. Detroit will probably get a top 5 pick this year and there are 5 really good prospects to choose from there. Detroit also has a lot of cap coming off this year giving them lots of flexibility to shore up the defense in the next 2 years. These old players are also coming off the books over the next 2 years.
Detroit's future is very bright. There are holes to fix, but the core is already there and looking very promising.