Red Wings: Five Predictions and One Wild Speculation for 2022-2023
By Steven Shaw
The new Red Wings players will flourish paired with the returning players.
There are so many exciting prospects that it is easy to forget that the Red Wings signed several experienced NHL-calibre players. These are not placeholders.
David Perron is a skilled all-around player and can work wonders on the power play. Andrew Copp has a chance to be the second-line center that the Red Wings have lacked for years.
Olli Maatta is an excellent, responsible, and positionally sound defenseman with more bite and puck skill than he is given credit for.
Ben Chiarot will continue to be a poor analytics performer but a valuable shot blocker and physical menace who will do what it takes for the team to win. Despite all the attention on the prospects, the new and old guys will be a collective force.
The Red Wings will improve a lot but miss the playoffs
The Red Wings will be playing meaningful games into April. Missing the playoffs is more likely than not. But the team should be challenging for the final wild card position up to the final week.
There will be some disappointment for not making the playoffs, but the excitement is back. This season will be the last time the Red Wings miss the playoffs for many years.