What’s one wild prediction you have for the Red Wings this season?
Chris: The Red Wings will squeak into the playoffs and ruin the opportunity to draft Shane Wright next summer.
Alex: The Red Wings have two finalists in Calder voting. There are three players that have a real shot at becoming a finalist this season: Moritz Seider, Lucas Raymond and Alex Nedeljkovic (yes, because of the Calder qualifications, he’s eligible again).
It’s not likely, or even all too realistic, but my wild prediction is that two of these three players end up as finalists for the Calder at the end of the season.
Nate: What the hell–in spite of missing the playoffs yet again, the Red Wings finally pick in the top two by moving up.
What’s one Red Wings prediction that seems more realistic?
Chris: The Red Wings will miss the playoffs for a sixth consecutive year and will have an opportunity to move up in the draft lottery for the first time.
Alex: Joe Veleno makes the team by the trade deadline. After a fantastic showing in the preseason, some were disappointed with the decision to send Veleno back to the minors. But he’s made it clear in the off-season he’s not comfortable slowly making his way to Detroit, he wants on that main roster ASAP. Expect Veleno to keep pushing for a spot while in Grand Rapids – laying in wait for an opportunity to leap to Detroit.
Nate: Zadina finally justifies the Wings’ high pick in 2018. He’s right on the cusp of becoming one of the key players on the roster. Surrounded by more talent and being given more time on the top lines, this is the year Zadina takes the next step and becomes a premium player for Detroit.