Detroit Red Wings Season Predictions from the OT Staff
By Nate Brown
Who will be the Red Wings MVP?
Chris: Pius Suter. Last year as a rookie, Suter scored 27 points in 55 games including only three points on the power play. This point total would have led the Red Wings in scoring. Now 25, Suter will have an opportunity to play more on the power play and should score at a higher rate.
Alex: Dylan Larkin. Last year wasn’t the captain’s best with the team, and a season ending injury from Jamie Benn only worsened it. However, with the return of Tyler Bertuzzi from injury and the addition of Lucas Raymond (possibly Filip Zadina), Larkin should be able to find his groove as Detroit’s first line center. With a healthy top line and a player like Raymond slotting in, the stars are aligning for a major rebound year for Larkin. Expect a great season from Detroit’s captain.
Nate: On one hand, I think Larkin will see a rejuvenated season. On another, I think that Seider will bring a stability to the blue line not seen since Nick Lidstrom or Nik Kronwall. I’m going to go with Seider because I think his success ultimately shows that Yzerman knows what he’s doing, and will provide the green light to begin the ascension out of the rebuild and into a playoff push. Seider has only gotten better in every league he’s played in, and I think the same will be here.
He becomes the foundational talent Detroit has desperately needed.
Who will be the Red Wings Breakout Player?
Chris: Filip Zadina will have a breakout season for the Red Wings. He will start the year on the 2nd line with Robbie Fabbri and Pius Suter. He will play a regular shift and should earn 2nd power play minutes. If he plays to his capabilities, Zadina should score 15-20 goals playing with these linemates.
Alex: Pius Suter. It’s a bit of a boring pick, considering the presence of two stellar rookies (Moritz Seider, Lucas Raymond) and a player like Filip Zadina (who’s just waiting to have a breakout season), but Suter just fits the team.
His five exhibition points (two goals and three assists) tied for second on the team and he seems to already be developing plenty of chemistry with Robby Fabbri. Suter will also have either Lucas Raymond or Filip Zadina on his line, which will bring even more talent to the second line. Suter won’t be the flashiest player in Detroit this season, but don’t be surprised if he racks up points and brownie points with the coaching staff as the second line center this year.
Nate: Lucas Raymond. The kid is the real deal and I think is the first bonafide budding star forward Detroit’s had since Pavel Datsyuk and Henrik Zetterberg. So much has been said about how they have to pick first or second in order to get that superstar, but I think sometimes things fall the right way that it all works out.
Raymond looked every bit the guy Wings fans and staff hoped for in preseason. Surrounded by other talented Wings and if he truly gets first line minutes, Raymond has a chance to really make an impact.