Like the famous Robert Frost poem, the Detroit Red Wings have two roads diverged along a path they can take.
On one hand, they can stay the course and attempt to make the playoffs with the core they have. The other, much more daunting road, sees the Red Wings taking a step back in order to move forward. The first - and arguably easier path - involves trying again and again until something changes. The second, while much more frustrating at first, offers a much longer runway and gives the Red Wings a shot to truly build something special.
In order to do that, the team needs to make it easier for the prospects to take the next step.
New GM has plenty of runway
The good news is that the new general manager will have plenty of leeway to enact their vision, per NHL insider Elliotte Friedman. "The most interesting thing I understand about it is that the Red Wings are very serious about making sure candidates know they have full autonomy," Friedman stated. "The Red Wings are making it very clear that there is no shortage of resources in terms of what they may need."
If this is truly the case, then the new general manager needs to figure out just what the Red Wings have in store. That means giving every prospect an ideal pathway to success. Few spots should be guaranteed on this roster, especially with how many players underperformed last season.
Plenty of prospects knocking on the door
Last season, three prospects made the roster: Michael Brandsegg-Nygard, Emmitt Finnie and Axel Sandin-Pellikka. Only Finnie remained with the roster full-time, with the other two playing up and down the NHL and AHL. This time around, they should be all but guaranteed opening night spots.
Other players may surprise their way into a roster spot like former first round pick Carter Bear. Bear, who appears focused on making the Grand Rapids Griffins roster, could easily be one of the top surprises of training camp and preseason within the next month.
Anton Johansson, in his small sample size with the Griffins, looked more than ready to make an impact. William Wallinder, who signed a one-year deal this offseason, could find his way onto the seventh spot on the defensive roster.
All in all, a youth movement is entirely possible with the Red Wings.
The most important thing Red Wings need to know
The biggest mindset shift that will need to occur between then and now has to do with mistakes. Rookies and young players alike will make mistakes. It's inevitable. But the younger players need just as big of a leeway - if not more - than the veterans. Players like Michael Rasmussen and Ben Chiarot made plenty of mistakes last season. Neither were ever scratched for their performance.
Axel Sandin-Pellikka, on the other hand, made a few (admittedly egregious) mistakes and found himself on the bench for nearly two weeks. The Red Wings could have just as easily sent him down to the AHL to play meaningful minutes, but they preferred to sit him for whatever reason and allow him to collect dust.
The same can be said of Michael Brandsegg-Nygard, who, bizarrely enough, played on the fourth line during the final few games with the Red Wings. By that point in the season, the team had already been eliminated in the playoffs. What was the downside to giving him a few NHL games?
If the Red Wings are serious about taking the next step, they need to ensure the kids have every opportunity possible to learn.
Add us as a preferred source on Google