Should have tanked in 2023 instead of rushing the rebuild. Never exit a rebuild without a young 1C.
Detroit had 80 points in 22/23. That's 20 ahead of the bottom 4 teams that season. They would have had to shed more guys before the season. They moved Bertuzzi/Hronek at the TDL, but maybe they should have done that in the prior off-season than wait it out like they did. Or not signed Husso. And any other move designed to improve the roster.
Even, then that might not have been enough to turn 10 wins into 10 pure losses.
The Wings bottom out seasons were 2018-2021. 5th worst in 2018, 4th worst in 2019, worst in 2020, 5th worst in 2021 (tied with CBS but had the tie breaker record). Wings finished 8th worst in 22, 9th worst in 23 and 15th worst in 24.
They didn't get any lottery luck but when you are sitting at 4/5th worst, you really can't bank on it. 2020, would you trade Raymond for Stutzle/Byfield/Laf? Yes to the C's as they are more valuable position wise. Even though the talent of Raymond is pretty much on par with them.
Those 4 drafts 18-21, did Det get the best guy at their spot (when compared to what was still on the board around that range?). 2018 no, but that is on Holland. 2019, Seider is more valuable than Cozens/Boldy, 2020 Raymond is the best guy IMO, unless you want Lundell, who is a big body 2C, but his offensive numbers are not where you like them to be yet but the Defensive play is there. 2021, Edvinsson has developed the way they want. Wyatt Johnston went like 15 spots later, but that was a strange draft with the OHL not playing. They traded up to take Cossa over Wallstedt. Will see if that was the right call. Right now, edge to Wallstedt.
Wings had a bunch of extra 2nds and 3rds in those drafts. That's the make/break for the wings and Yzerman. If some of those kids don't hit, they will remain mid for a while.
2019 - 2nds - Tuomisto D, Mastrosimone W, Johansen D, 3rd Grewe W
2020 - 2nds - Wallinder D, Niederbach W, Hanas W, 3rd Sebrano D (Dealt in Dcat trade), Viro D
2021 - 2nds - Buium D, 3rd Mazur W
2023 draft they added a lot of extra picks.
1st - ASP D, 2nd Augustine G, Gibson D, Cleveland D, Dower-Nilsson W