Predictions for the future of the Detroit Red Wings blueline.
The Red Wings will be patient and not rush their blueline prospects to the big team ahead of schedule. There may be some nine-game trials this season depending on injuries, trades, and the team’s place in the standings.
But these trials will be more rewards for hard work than expectations that the prospects will be significant contributors this season. Seider’s play will continue to improve, and no one will be talking about a sophomore slump at the end of the 2022-2023 season.
The Red Wings will not fall off a cliff in the standings as they did last year. Although the dynamic forwards returning (Robby Fabbri and Jakub Vrana) will lead the way, the foundation of the blue line is much stronger.
For the 2023-2024 season, the glut of veteran depth players (Kampfer, Lashoff, Oesterle, Hagg, Pysyk, Lindstrom) will be reduced and slowly replaced with the prospects.
One of the prospects will start the 2023-2024 season with the Red Wings. Johansson would be my choice. As much as fans want to see Edvinsson, his game requires a little more polishing.
Olli Määttä is an excellent trade candidate. There are many factors, such as the Red Wings’ place in the playoff hunt, the development of prospects, and negotiations for a contract (he was signed to a one-year contract for 2022-2023). He has been a great player for the Red Wings. Yet, excellent returning assets can be gained with minimal loss.
The rule of thumb playoff count for 2023-2024 is two-star defensemen (Hronek, Seider), two well-above-average defensemen (Walman, Määttä), and three quality depth players (Johansson, Chiarot, Edvinsson).
Although optimistic, next year’s blueline is young and very close to a playoff-quality defensive corps, with additional reinforcements coming through trade, free agency, and prospects making significant leaps.