What are the Mid-Season Grades for the Red Wings?

Moritz Seider

Grade: A

Moritz Seider has been everything that was advertised, and more.  By mid-season, Seider is the top defenseman on the Red Wings and regularly logs 22-23 minutes of ice-time per game.  In 41 games, Seider leads the Red Wings defense in scoring with 26 points and has a +1 rating. If Seider continues on this trajectory, he should be one of the finalists for Rookie of the Year.

Filip Hronek

Grade: B+

Filip Hronek has picked up his game at both ends of the ice over the last couple of weeks.  He is currently second in scoring for defensemen with 21 points in 39 games.  Hronek’s defensive shortcomings keep him from being an A ranked player.  At mid-season, Hronek has a -10 rating, although he is even over his last six games.

Nick Leddy

Grade: C+

Nick Leddy continues to struggle defensively for the Red Wings.  General Manager Steve Yzerman gave up a 2nd round draft pick for the impending UFA.  Initially, Leddy was brought in to tutor Moritz Seider.  When Filip Hronek was experiencing difficulties early in the season, Leddy was paired with him to bring some stability to the second defense pairing.  With a -20 rating at mid-season, it will be difficult for Yzerman to get much more than a 3rd round pick for Leddy, prior to the trade deadline in March.

Gustav Lindstrom

Grade: C+

Gustav Lindstrom has been exactly what is expected from a 3rd pair defenseman.  He is steady defensively and rarely chips in when in the offensive zone.  So far, Lindstrom has six assists and a +1 rating in 32 games.  I have been really impressed with Lindstrom’s composure.  Until Lindstrom can contribute more offensively, he will remain nothing more than a C ranked player.

Marc Staal

Grade: C

Marc Staal remains a steady defensive defenseman for the Red Wings.  In 34 games, Staal has five points and a +7 rating.  Staal will be an UFA at the end of the season and will likely remain with the Red Wings through the trade deadline.

Danny DeKeyser

Grade: D

Danny DeKeyser has struggled throughout the majority of this season.  Unfortunately for Moritz Seider, DeKeyser has been his partner for most of the last couple of months.  In 33 games, DeKeyser has three assists and a -7 rating.  At this point in his career, DeKeyser has very little trade value and will remain with the Red Wings until he becomes an UFA at the end of the season.

Jordan Oesterle

Grade: C-

Jordan Oesterle has only played 20 games for the Red Wings this season.  Oesterle has three assists and a -2 rating.  When he plays, Oesterle has been a nice addition as a bottom pair defense partner for Lindstrom.  Oesterle has one year remaining on his current contract and should see more games played in the second half of the season.

Troy Stecher

Grade: Undetermined

Troy Stecher has been injured for most of the season.  He has only played six games and has registered one assist and a +1 rating.  Stecher is expected back soon and should get playing time prior to the trade deadline.  Stecher is an UFA at the end of the season.