Forwards: Not sure what can be done to improve them by a lot. Maybe get a Cole/Franzen replacement but easier said than done. I think Jurco can be an important piece next year, maybe he puts it all together. Barring a trade for a big name, I don’t see much more than a new face or two. Maybe Mantha, Pulks or another rookie can surprise in camp.
Helm - Dats - Tatar
Abby - Z - Nyquist
Jurco - Sheahan - Pulkkinen
Miller - Glendening - Ferraro/someone who works well with Glenny.
Defense: This will take some work. In my somewhat realistic dream:
Kronwall - Green
Phaneuf - Marchenko/other rookie
DK - Q/E
Ouellet/Jensen getting a ‘legit’ chance to battle Marchenko.
Green adds puck movement and a dynamic PP QB. He reminds me of Zidlicky but better and faster. Would improve our transition game a lot. Phaneuf I feel would be a good fit with solid leadership and him not being relied on heavily. I think this group would be a top 5 defensive unit and great a puck possession, and also really mobile with a lot of speed.
Goaltending: I’d let Mrazek start the season as #1, and even shop Howard if you can find a nice veteran backup incase Mrazek falters. But i’d have no problem going back to Howard either as he was playing great up until his injury. If we get solid goaltending the whole year, we could challenge for the division title imo.
Coaching: I’d keep Babcock until Datsyuk retires. Wouldn’t complain with Blash either. Once Datsyuk retires, they can commit to a full youth movement with a fresh coach.
Conclusion: Basically, hope D/Z don’t regress to bad, hope young guys continue to improve and maybe a rookie can come in and make a big splash. Have to improve the defense. Getting Green and Phaneuf does that as long as the trades and contracts aren’t unreasonable. Get solid goal tending and Detroit can be in the position to go deep in the playoffs again. Hope Babs comes back and leads us to the promise land.
Go Wings, the season ending stings, but it will just make it feel better the next time we get to see the Wings hoist the cup.