We're deep into the offseason, and, at this point, little has changed on the Detroit Red Wings front. The team still doesn't have a general manager. Simon Edvinsson hasn't been signed. There's no update on a potential Alex DeBrincat extension. And - most obviously - disgruntled captain Dylan Larkin is still on the team.
With the team likely finishing near the bottom of the Atlantic Division, it's hard to feel cheery about the team. That said, these four things should keep Red Wings fans at least partially optimistic about next season.
1. The possibility of a youth movement
When the team has nothing to lose, the prospects have everything to gain. This time around, with multiple roster spots open for the taking, it's up to the prospects to finally break through. Young players like Michael Brandsegg-Nygard and Axel Sandin-Pellikka will surely push their way towards a roster spot, while sleeper candidates like Carter Bear may force their way on with a promising camp or preseason.
Keep an eye out for offseason signing Theo Rochette, as well. With the team starved for centers, there's a strong chance this young forward makes his way onto the roster for opening night.
2. New players bring new energy
There's little doubt that the locker room went stagnant last season. Between Larkin's distance from the team and the inevitable March collapse, the Red Wings desperately need new voices among their personnel. Luckily, they have a handful of new faces entering the fold. From Viktor Arvidsson's mercenary mentality to Keegan Kolesar's energetic brand of hockey, there's a lot to love about the freshest faces in Hockeytown.
Best of all, if the prospects do break through, you're looking at a completely different outlook in the locker room.
3. The end of bad contracts
Sooner or later, something has to give. The moment head coach Todd McLellan made his "jerseys" remark, it was clear change would soon be needed in the locker room. Fortunately, next season will see the end of a handful of bad contracts. While not an abhorrent player, Andrew Copp never quite lived up to his potential as the de facto second line center. Similarly, Justin Faulk, last season's big acquisition, didn't take the team over the top into playoff contention. Mason Appleton, who has thus far underwhelmed with the Red Wings, is set to part ways with the organization, as well.
It's likely that the new general manager moves on from one of Michael Rasmussen or J.T. Compher as well, given the lackluster performance by both players. If the next general manager trades, waives or buys out one of these players, they'll immediately endear themselves to a fanbase in desperate need for change.
4. The start of something new
This has been the most tumultuous offseason in Red Wings history. From the trade request of the captain to Steve Yzerman stepping down, change struck the team like a tsunami. That said, change can be a good thing as long as it's embraced. This is an opportunity to completely reset the organization and move on from the stagnation it accumulated this last decade. While pressure certainly still mounts on the greatest American franchise in hockey, this allows the new general manager to reset expectations and start over.
Change, while uncomfortable at times, can be a good thing. It's up to the Red Wings to embrace it.
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