Red Wings Top 10 Question Marks Heading Into the Off-Season

Jeff Blashill. Former Red Wings head coach. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Jeff Blashill. Former Red Wings head coach. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
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Detroit Red Wings
Filip Zadina of the Detroit Red Wings. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

What Will the Red Wings Do With Filip Zadina?

Filip Zadina has shown signs in his time with the Red Wings of being a true threat on the offensive side of the puck. But he has yet to do it consistently. So, knowing that, it araises the question: What should the Red Wings do with Zadina?

Zadina selected eighth overall by the Red Wings back in the 2018 NHL entry draft. Since that point, he has shown that he has the talent, but it’s like something is holding him back. But, when you see these glimpses from him, you think that he could be something special therefore, you continue giving him chances. But when he lays a goose egg the next game, it leaves you wondering. So now, Yzerman will have to try and gauge his worth.

Now, I’ll put in my two cents with this argument and debate:

I’ve always believed that if you are drafted in the first-round, there is no such thing as a bust. If you are drafted in the first-round you have the talent to be a special player in the league and all you need is the right opportunity to show it. I believe that with other players like Nolan Patrick, Kaapo Kakko. I also believe that about Filip Zadina.

Filip Zadina is about to get a fresh start away from Blashill, which personally, I feel he needs. Last season former head coach, Jeff Blashill, moved him around on the lines a lot which made it hard for him to gather chemistry and really get a feel for his teammates. But, with that being said, when he was paired with Jakub Vrana, he was dominant. We saw signs of the player he can, and should, be for us.

So, as I stated above, a change of coach could be exactly what the Red Wings need in order to get consistent production for Zadina. Being able to get paired on the right line with the right play style may be exactly what he needs to make this step up in the NHL.

But, there is a drawback to Zadina and what I just said. Zadina, being in a contract year, showed signs of promise. Right? Right. However, when he played his best hockey was when he was paired with Vrana. But, the minute that he was moved off Vrana’s line, he started to crap the bed again and we were back to plan A. So is he a dependent player? Does he only succeed with Vrana? If so, what type of contract would he want? Additionally, is it worth it?