If this offseason is any indication, change is inevitable for the Detroit Red Wings.
The general manager stepped down. The captain of the team wants out and hasn't budged on his request. Insanity, as they say, is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result. The Red Wings of the early 2020s represent this better than perhaps any other organization in the league right now.
Change is not only inevitable, but necessary.
This change, of course, comes with a parting of ways with some of the roster. It means saying farewell to some long-time names and hello to fresh faces. These five players in particular should play their last games in the Winged Wheel this season.
1. The most obvious elephant in the room has to go
You can't carry on with Dylan Larkin on this roster, much less on this roster as the captain. That sets an extremely poor example for the players and the organization as a whole. When your supposed leader wants out, you don't keep him in that role. You demote him and put someone deserving in his position.
As of right now, Larkin hasn't budged on his trade request. The sooner the next general manager can take the helm, the sooner they can put this business to rest.
2. Mason Appleton's role is changing
Last season, Mason Appleton was one of the least productive forwards on the roster, managing a paltry 14 points across 65 games. He had opportunities throughout the lineup and, unfortunately, just couldn't cut it offensively. On the defensive end of the spectrum, he doesn't bring anything the Red Wings don't already have. If a prospect forces his way onto the roster, Appleton is likely the first casualty in order to make room.
This is the last year of Appleton's contract. Even if they keep him throughout the year, the likelihood of him signing another deal is slim to none.
3. Justin Faulk is a trade deadline dream
Justin Faulk is the exact type of defenseman playoff teams seek out during the trade deadline. He's a minute munching NHL defenseman with over 1,000 games of experience. He knows the rigor of the playoffs. Best of all, he can play anywhere in your lineup and offer some extra offense along the way. Faulk was supposed to be the push that got the Red Wings over the top last season. Unfortunately, March had other plans.
This time around, the Red Wings have the luxury of trading him at their leasure. He should net a nice return during the deadline (or even earlier).
4. Michael Rasmussen should be a long shot for the future
Believe it or not, once the Red Wings trade Larkin, Michael Rasmussen will be the longest currently tenured athlete in Detroit sports. For better or worse, Rasmussen has seen it all: tear-downs, rebuilds and playoff pushes make up his entire career. Unfortunately, he's done very little to help the team take the next step. Last season was his worst yet, where, like Mason Appleton, he sported 14 points on the year. It's clear he's one of the "jerseys" head coach Todd McLellan referenced in one of his tirades.
While Rasmussen could always turn things around this season, it's extremely improbable. The best solution is to part ways and find him a fresh start elsewhere.
5. John Gibson is an unfortunate victim of the retool
John Gibson has been the Red Wings' best starter since Jimmy Howard retired. It's baffling how the team has gone nearly a decade without a bona fide netminder. Now that they've finally got one, it's more of a "right person, wrong time" situation. Gibson had a resurgence with the Red Wings, putting up the best numbers he's had in a decade with the team. Now, as a pending unrestricted free agent, he might be worth more at the deadline than with the team long-term.
Goaltending prospect Trey Augustine is already on the up and up with the organization. Sooner or later, the net should be his. Before then, the Red Wings need to do right by Gibson and send him to a contender where he can really cook.
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