Detroit Red Wings: Five Reasons For Improvement in 21-22

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In three years as Detroit Red Wings General Manager, Steve Yzerman has almost completely changed the roster. When he was hired, he asked fans for patience. No timeline was put in place as to when the Red Wings would be competitive again. One thing we have learned about Steve Yzerman is to never doubt his ability to put a team together. The 2021 season, although shortened, was the first sign of an improved on-ice product. When can Detroit fans expect a return to the playoffs? There are several reasons for optimism.

Here is a look into what improvements Detroit has made during this offseason.

Addition of Moritz Seider

In 2019, Moritz Seider was drafted 6th overall by Steve Yzerman. Detroit fans were shocked at the selection. NHL Central Scouting had Seider ranked 6th among European skaters, but every other scouting outfit had him ranked 15th or slightly lower.

Seider moved to North America after being drafted and played a full season in Grand Rapids (AHL). He scored 22 points in 49 games as a rookie.

With the AHL season delayed because of the Covid-19 pandemic, Seider played a full season for Rogle (SHL). He scored 28 points in 41 regular season games and added five points in 13 playoff games. He was named the SHL Defenseman of the Year.

Seider also played on Team Germany at the World Championships in Latvia. He scored five points in 10 games and was named the World Championship Best Defenseman.

Now 20, Seider looks ready for a full-time role in the NHL.

Red Wings Obtaining Nick Leddy in a Trade

On July 17th, veteran defenseman Nick Leddy was traded to Detroit for Richard Panik and a 2nd round draft pick in 2021. Detroit had to open up roster spots for young forwards and had a need for a left defenseman who could mentor Moritz Seider.

Originally a 16th overall draft selection of the Minnesota Wild, Leddy has played 12 seasons in the NHL and has accumulated 336 points in 776 regular season games. He has also scored 33 points in 121 career playoff games.

He led the New York Islanders defensemen in points last year when he scored 31 points in 56 regular season games and six points in 19 playoff games.

Now 30, Leddy is in the final year of a $5,500,000 salary cap hit before he becomes a UFA next summer. Look for Steve Yzerman to sign him to an extension before he hits free agency.

Leddy and Seider should be the top defense pairing next year for the Red Wings.

Alex Nedeljkovic Traded From Carolina

Detroit traded the signing rights to Jonathan Bernier and a 3rd round draft selection in 2021 for Calder Cup finalist Alex Nedeljkovic.

Bernier ended up signing a two-year free agent contract with the New Jersey Devils and Detroit ended up with a #1 goalie.

Nedeljkovic was originally drafted in the 2nd round in 2014. He was a RFA and promptly signed a two year extension at a reasonable $3,000,000 cap hit with Detroit.

In his first full season in the NHL, Nedeljkovic led the NHL in goals-against average (2.01) and save percentage (.932). He also won four of the nine playoff games he played for Carolina last year.

With Thomas Greiss headed for free agency next summer, Nedeljkovic appears to be the goalie of the future for the Red Wings.

Tyler Bertuzzi Says He Is Healthy

Tyler Bertuzzi started the year scoring five goals and seven points in nine games. Then he missed the remainder of the season and required back surgery. Bertuzzi has resumed training and feels that he will be ready for opening night in October.

Following Bertuzzi’s season-ending injury, the offensive was dreadful scoring the second fewest goals behind only Anaheim.

By recently signing a two-year contract extension with a $4,750,000 cap hit, Bertuzzi and the Red Wings buy up the first year of Bertuzzi’s chance at unrestricted free agency.

At 26, Bertuzzi has played parts of six NHL seasons. He has scored 126 points in 208 NHL games. Prior to last season, Bertuzzi had back-to-back 21 goal season. Hopefully, a healthy Bertuzzi will help kick-start the first line featuring Dylan Larkin and Jakub Vrana.

Pius Suter Signs Two-Year Deal

Pius Suter will join familiar company when he joins the Red Wings. Suter played with Tyler Bertuzzi and Robby Fabbri in Guelph (OHL) when the trio led the Storm to an OHL Championship and a berth in the Memorial Cup in 2014.

Suter will be counted on to replace Valtteri Filppula as the center on the second line. This line will most likely feature Fabbri and Filip Zadina. This is an upgrade as Suter is only 25, and scored 27 points in 55 games during his rookie season in Chicago.

He is a terrific signing for a team in a re-build. Suter’s deal carries a cap hit of $3,250,000 for two years.

Final Thoughts

The Detroit Red Wings should be improved as they enter the 2021-22 season. The team does not appear to be ready to challenge for a playoff spot, but do appear to be a better team both offensively and defensively. This should translate into a team that is more entertaining as they transition into the next phase of the re-build. The possible addition of youngsters Joe Veleno, Jonatan Berggren and Lucas Raymond by next season will help accelerate the team to a point where they can challenge on a nightly basis.

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