The third line had some of the worst chemistry I had ever seen
J.T. Compher: C-
76GP 11G 21A 32Pts
Underwhelming is the best word I could come up with to describe his season. Last season, he came in and was immediately given the second-line center role. He produced well in that role, being at over half a point per game last season with 48 points, to scoring 16 points less this season in only one less game.
His line was also the only line that had what I would describe as "negative chemistry," always being stuck in the defensive zone and never able to generate anything resembling offense for a large majority of the season.
Once the coaching change happened, Compher's play stepped up with the rest of the team, but was overall still subpar. Overall, I have faith that Compher, one way or another, will be better next season. His play style fits well in McLellan's system, and he is a good PKer and two-way forward. If brought back next season, I would expect him to bounce back.
Vladimir Tarasenko: D
80GP 11G 22A 33Pts
Disappointing may be the nicest way for me to describe Tarasenko's first season with the Red Wings. He was the biggest name that Yzerman brought in from free agency, looking to use him to create a more complete top six that would be able to compete more consistently with the rest of the league's top six. Unfortunately, we didn't even get the 20-goal scorer he was last season with Ottawa and Florida. What we got was a 40-goal scorer if the goalie didn't exist.
Not only was he unable to score, but he was also a turnover machine. Recording 61 giveaways without having the offense or defense to make up for it. He was also one of the few players for whom the coaching change seemingly didn't help in the slightest. If he's on the team next season, all we can do is hope that he can bounce back.
Michael Rasmussen: C
77GP 11G 10A 21Pts
Big Ras was fine. He was good defensively, but offensively he was nowhere near what he was like last season few seasons ago. It's obvious that he's never going to be what he was drafted to be, but he still has the ability to be a solid bottom-six contributor.
His biggest problem this season was that he seemingly forgot how to use his size properly. He doesn't make many hits and he hasn't been nearly as good along the boards as he was last season. His puck protection has gotten much better and he's become one of the team's best at it. Overall, he was fine this season.