Does it feel like 'it's happening' to anyone else?

[Ricelund]

 

[Realgud]

Would like to see a few more youngsters on the roster. Give Buium and Tuomisto a chance imo.

 

[SirloinUB]

Lot's of ups and downs ahead but it is going in the right direction.

Patience was always going to be be the most important part of this rebuild.

 

[LongTimeDRWF]

By 'it's happening', I mean the rebuild really coming to fruition. With coaching that is no longer stifling everyone, this team is able to be dangerous night in night out now. And the drafted players are the ones stirring the drink.

Raymond is a budding superstar, he tilts the ice every time he's out there. Not only is he supremely skilled, he's also a natural leader. With a killer instinct to boot.

Seider. Well nothing needs to be said there.

Edvinsson is already a skilled and dependable dman who can play a 200ft game, and he's still got lots of NHL development runway left in front of him. He's going to be a star.

Johansson is looking like he's the missing piece to completing the top 4 (with ASP having that 3D spot reserved). He plays a simple but cerebral game at both ends of the ice, Lidstrom-like in that way (a stylistic comparison not skill, obviously). Just very competent and dependable. Seems like a perfect partner for Seider honestly, with Edvinsson and ASP the other pair eventually. But he's looked great beside Edvinsson and the positive impact goes both way I think.

Kasper seems to have repeated the trajectory he had in the AHL, slow start but found his footing about halfway through the season. He's looked dangerous since McLellan took over. Always seems to be in the thick of things, and very versatile as a player. Looks like another good one. I forget who posted a comment (might have been @Petes2424) talking about the importance of a young player showing showing flashes, even if the production wasn't there yet. It was a really good point. Now not only is Kasper showing even more frequent flashes, the statistical production is coming with it. And like Edvinsson he also has lots of runway left.

Berggren and Soderblom have shown flashes of being middle 6 contributors, even if the production hasn't come yet.

Now Larkin finally has a respectable supporting cast, including some key additions like Debrincat, and this team is already starting to show the potential of it's 'final form'. And we haven't even gotten to ASP, Cossa, Buchelnikov, Danielson, MBN, Augustine, etc, etc, etc who will all be getting worked in over the next couple seasons.

After 5+ years, and with some folks around here nearing the end of their patience, the rebuild is here. I think sooner than later there are going to be a lot of people on HFBoards eating crow and pretending they were never talking shit about tHE yZErpLAn. I'm going to enjoy watching the final pieces fall into place as this team trends to be a major competitor within 2-3 seasons. LGRW

It is a little too soon to make the call just yet, but it is inspiring to see the improved play. It has not gone unnoticed on the stats sites, by Tankathon the wings do not show up as anyone's easiest team ahead, MoneyPuck has them now at 23.1% of making the playoffs (versus about 8% last week). A solid showing this road trip where the wings return home 0.500 on the road or better for the season to date, will make a few teams ahead of them in the race (if they still are ahead by this time next week), shall we say uncomfortable.

The biggest thing I see is the current level of play should be somewhat sustainable as it is just not the D-Boss show, or the Mo show or the Ray show. When those guys are on, it is usually a win, but now the supporting cast looks to be more consistent as the team is showing up ready to play hockey. I am seeing D-man pinch coverages not being missed by the wingers, resulting far less odd man rushes the the other way.

Having a functional top 4D and some reliable goalies is going to be huge for the run to April. They may fall short this year, but don't count them out, because if they do make it, they will be battle-hardened from the playoff type hockey they need to to play for the rest of the season to get there. They will be a tough out and may surprise for a round or two.

13 games until the TDL, 6 at home and 7 on the road, the measuring stick games for SY will be the road game with the Oilers and the home games the rematch with the Bolts and versus the Canes. Winning 2 of those 3 and beating other teams they should beat such that they roll into the TDL with a 9-3-1 record for those 13 games just might get SY to add something at the TDL.

But honestly, even simply not selling off at the TDL is a win this year given the poor start to the season. (Although I could SY move a body or two if someone wants to overpay, I could see Lyon or Joey V/Ras getting moved to a contender/pretender that has needs)

The future is brighter today than it was 6 years ago, it does take time to build a team.

I still think 2026/27 is the yardstick year where it is firmly in the playoffs or bust.

 

[Rzombo4 prez]

Yes it is. I think we are a couple trades on defense, and an actual good FA signing away from being sneakily very good. We gotta cut the fat though. One of compher and copp gotta go, tarasenko should be traded and retained, holl waived and buried in the minors etc. it’s weird because almost all of our FA signings have been terrible, Kane has been like the only good one and Chiarot has been “okay”.

With that said I’d give Rantanen an absolute bag in free agency and not think twice about it.

The fat isn't preventing us from getting significantly better next year or into the future. To the extent you want their roster spots you just send them to GR. We have absolutely nothing of consequence to re-sign this offseason and the cap is jumping. Realistically it would be nice but not necessary to move on from one or two forwards. That is about it.

 

[AlwaysSunnyInDetroit]

I wish you would have posted this last Wednesday, because right now it just feels like another overreaction to the last game or two.

But also, yes its nice that the rebuilding through the draft and developing players slowly is finally starting to bear some fruit

its normal and natural for fans to get excited and feel optimistic when the team is playing well. the fake fans do the exact same thing when we struggle, except it's super weird and pathetic to root against the team that you're supposedly a fan of

 

[Lazlo Hollyfeld]

Lot's of ups and downs ahead but it is going in the right direction.

Patience was always going to be be the most important part of this rebuild.

Agreed. And the team has to get better in order to sign better free agents. It's the catch 22.

But it's happening so hopefully the quality of future FA signings will improve as the team does.

 

[heyfolks]

I agree with near all of the above. I will focus on talent and then the all important contracts. Mo and Lucas are cornerstone pieces. Stars today, elite players tomorrow. Simon is having a first year that shows a 1-2 D pairing punch no other team will be able to match (I would say Buffalo, but they screw up everything). Kasper is going to be that tenacious, all in one pocket tool, high skill, high energy glue player. Heck he already is at winger. That will, translate to the center position in a year or two. Ajo appears to be a compliment partner for either Mo or Simon. Elmer even appears to have found a way to use his skill set to be a depth player that could evolve into a PP role.

Along with Larkin and Cat, the core looks solid.

Up and coming are Danielson (why not Karate Kid as a nickname), ASP and MBN. Will all 3 make the roster next season? Not likely. While a big fan of the KK, I see MBN on the opening day roster. This guy is just built to play the wing in the NHL.

A key is always contracts and cap space.

Mo and Lucas - Those are anchor tenant deals for this team to compete for years.

THIS OFFSEASON RFAs:

Simon
Kasper
AJo
Soderblom
Berggren

How they are locked up will be very interesting. If they can lock up Simon and Kasper long-term n the same way they did Mo and Lucas (though I would think they would be signed for less money), it wold be epic. They other 3 will be signed but not to long-term deals.

To do this, they will need to say good bye to all of the UFAs this offseason, with Kane topping the list. Petry will likely retire. That frees up $6.3M. Fischer and Motte another $2M. The season after $14M in UFA salary will fall off the books. I like it. The cap accountatns appear to be doing a good job.

Detroit Red Wings Multi-Year Table

A summary of financial breakdowns for the Detroit Red Wings, including multi-year cap totals, player cap hits & free agents.

www.spotrac.com

The change in coaching has allowed the kids to shine.

 

[1878rgw]

How they are locked up will be very interesting. If they can lock up Simon and Kasper long-term

2 more ELC years for Kasper, 1 more ELC year for Ed, why should they sign this off season with a raising cap?

 

[SantosHalper]

The word of the day is and has been since day 1, patience. It's starting to pay off.

Day 1:

------------------------

I think we are a couple trades on defense, and an actual good FA signing away from being sneakily very good.

Kyle Connor ......

Talbot is the best goalie, still has 1-year, and Cossa is incoming. Maybe they extend Lyon to have 3 options again, who knows. Cossa heavily still as GR starter, but also instant callup. Husso definitely gone

I think Augustine effects those plans too. If he goes pro, i would imagine they pair him with a veteran in GR and Cossa with Talbot in Detroit. If the cap goes up then there is certainly room to keep Lyon as 3rd goalie but is there a need for it? Veteran goalie as call up and then Gyrlander gets games in AHL.

 

[Frk It]

Some individual things are happening that are encouraging, but no we have not arrived as a team yet.

 

[Coach Reggie Dunlop]

The fat isn't preventing us from getting significantly better next year or into the future. To the extent you want their roster spots you just send them to GR. We have absolutely nothing of consequence to re-sign this offseason and the cap is jumping. Realistically it would be nice but not necessary to move on from one or two forwards. That is about it.

It’s not necessary long term but if you really want to make a splash next year it is. If you get rid of compher and Kane and replace them with rantanen that’s a big difference. Obviously we would need to sign a star player but the point is, there are moves that can be made if we want to hit the next level.

 

[dalem177]

Shoot, I can watch "win 3 lose 2" hockey all season long and be happy.

 

[SirloinUB]

I agree with near all of the above. I will focus on talent and then the all important contracts. Mo and Lucas are cornerstone pieces. Stars today, elite players tomorrow. Simon is having a first year that shows a 1-2 D pairing punch no other team will be able to match (I would say Buffalo, but they screw up everything). Kasper is going to be that tenacious, all in one pocket tool, high skill, high energy glue player. Heck he already is at winger. That will, translate to the center position in a year or two. Ajo appears to be a compliment partner for either Mo or Simon. Elmer even appears to have found a way to use his skill set to be a depth player that could evolve into a PP role.

Along with Larkin and Cat, the core looks solid.

Up and coming are Danielson (why not Karate Kid as a nickname), ASP and MBN. Will all 3 make the roster next season? Not likely. While a big fan of the KK, I see MBN on the opening day roster. This guy is just built to play the wing in the NHL.

A key is always contracts and cap space.

Mo and Lucas - Those are anchor tenant deals for this team to compete for years.

THIS OFFSEASON RFAs:

Simon
Kasper
AJo
Soderblom
Berggren

How they are locked up will be very interesting. If they can lock up Simon and Kasper long-term n the same way they did Mo and Lucas (though I would think they would be signed for less money), it wold be epic. They other 3 will be signed but not to long-term deals.

To do this, they will need to say good bye to all of the UFAs this offseason, with Kane topping the list. Petry will likely retire. That frees up $6.3M. Fischer and Motte another $2M. The season after $14M in UFA salary will fall off the books. I like it. The cap accountatns appear to be doing a good job.

Detroit Red Wings Multi-Year Table

A summary of financial breakdowns for the Detroit Red Wings, including multi-year cap totals, player cap hits & free agents.

www.spotrac.com

FYI Simon has one more season under contract after this season.

Marco has 2 more season under contract after this year.



I'm in favour of getting those two extension as soon as possible. That said, Yzerman is a big believer is using all of the time necessary for extension so I wouldn't hold my breath on those deals.

 

[The Flying Octopus]

Love where this team is at right now, but I really hope the four nations tourney, doesn’t ruin this teams momentum. Huge western roadtrip coming up. Need 6/8 pts IMO to keep pushing. Our division is absolutely brutal.

 

[Henkka]

It's happening.

They are getting better game after game.

As currently now, the biggest improvement is the the PK.

No weaknesses anymore, everything is on line. 5-on-5 we are slight positive, special teams will do their thing. Goalies are fine. Defence in front of them are playing well and supporting them.

Raymond could be the next Kucherov be born. Just unstoppable player.

 

[OgeeOgelthorpe]

I would target Ehlers or Boeser in FA and try to trade for Provorovs rights, or sign him too if he makes it to FA. He’s the perfect partner for Seider.

This trade deadline, if they keep up this play, will be very interesting. There are too many prospects and they can’t all make it - it’s time for Stevie to go hunting for an upgrade. I would include Danielson in a deal for the right player too (Connor, etc)

Provorov is an idiot. No thank you.

I’d make a move for an upgrade on LD. Chiarot is not the dude for Mo. Neither is Gus.

An upgrade on Veleno and Ras would be awesome as well. Clean out the last of Holland’s last bad/mid picks.

In the offseason we NEED to move one of Copp or Compher. Both are paid 2 mil more than they should be.

 

[RedHawkDown]

Provorov is an idiot. No thank you.

I’d make a move for an upgrade on LD. Chiarot is not the dude for Mo. Neither is Gus.

An upgrade on Veleno and Ras would be awesome as well. Clean out the last of Holland’s last bad/mid picks.

In the offseason we NEED to move one of Copp or Compher. Both are paid 2 mil more than they should be.

What makes you say that? By all accounts he is a very good defensive D with not great offensive instincts.

 

[The Zermanator]

Some individual things are happening that are encouraging, but no we have not arrived as a team yet.

My suggestion wasn't that the team has arrived. We may not even make the playoffs this year based on the hole that was dug in Lalonde's chunk of the season. It was that the rebuild has arrived. Those individual things are all part of a greater whole, one that was planned deliberately. It's no longer just promise and potential of prospects up in that air while the product on the ice is the mediocre placeholders. The plan is coming together. The fruits of the rebuild are the ones driving the team and there are a lot more on the way. Including a few very significant pieces.

The brightest spots on the team are dragging along the mediocre ones. And most of those bright spots are locked up long term and only going to get better. The mediocre ones will be replaced over the next 2-3 seasons with other players who are projecting to be bright spots. At some point soon it's looking like there'll be more bright spots than non-bright spots on the team.

Up until this season we were mostly watching the placeholder team that Yzerman slapped together while patiently rebuilding and developing top draft picks. I think the scales have tipped to where we're now watching Yzerman's rebuild on the ice.

 

[Henkka]

Provorov is an idiot. No thank you.

I’d make a move for an upgrade on LD. Chiarot is not the dude for Mo. Neither is Gus.

An upgrade on Veleno and Ras would be awesome as well. Clean out the last of Holland’s last bad/mid picks.

In the offseason we NEED to move one of Copp or Compher. Both are paid 2 mil more than they should be.

Don't need to move either Copp or Compher. Or Chiarot, Gustafsson, Holl. Just do the math.

They can all stay. Cap is going up like hell, and those caphits will become irrelevant, when cheap kids will jump in. At same time you can bolster with UFAs.

Veleno and Ras could be trade baits, I don't mind about that.

 

[OgeeOgelthorpe]

What makes you say that? By all accounts he is a very good defensive D with not great offensive instincts.

From what I remembered about him Provorov was a very chaotic player on the backend. Also pretty inconsistent. I don’t think he’s a major upgrade back there.

For the money that Provorov will want (6.5+ is my guess) I’d rather shell out the extra dough for Chychrun, and I don’t even like him that much. Or Gavrikov.

David Savard could be a pretty savvy vet for the 3rd pair if we can dump Holl and let Petry retire.

 

[RedHawkDown]

From what I remembered about him Provorov was a very chaotic player on the backend. Also pretty inconsistent. I don’t think he’s a major upgrade back there.

For the money that Provorov will want (6.5+ is my guess) I’d rather shell out the extra dough for Chychrun, and I don’t even like him that much. Or Gavrikov.

David Savard could be a pretty savvy vet for the 3rd pair if we can dump Holl and let Petry retire.

Chychrun is not really the style we want as Seider's partner, though - he's a very offense-first player. If not Prov, then someone like Nic Hague fits the bill much better I think. Gavrikov and Pettersson are also good options.

 

[iago]

Yes it is. I think we are a couple trades on defense, and an actual good FA signing away from being sneakily very good. We gotta cut the fat though. One of compher and copp gotta go, tarasenko should be traded and retained, holl waived and buried in the minors etc. it’s weird because almost all of our FA signings have been terrible, Kane has been like the only good one and Chiarot has been “okay”.

With that said I’d give Rantanen an absolute bag in free agency and not think twice about it.

Let's not overlook the fact that,among our regular forwards, we have only 2 that are in the black in the plus/minus Stat- Compher at +4, and Copp at +2. I know we expect more from them based on their contracts, but they do provide value to the team.

I think DeBrincat is not getting enough of credit on this board. I was very skeptical when we sighed him but he is an excellent goal scorer. Excellent player.

Let's not overlook the fact that, within the plus/minus Stat, DeBrincat is the worst on the team at -14. I know he produces on the PP, but 5x5, he isn't very good.

 

[norrisnick]

Chychrun is not really the style we want as Seider's partner, though - he's a very offense-first player. If not Prov, then someone like Nic Hague fits the bill much better I think. Gavrikov and Pettersson are also good options.

If the Rangers end up in blow it up mode, I want to see what it would take to land K'Andre Miller. Age and ability slots him almost perfectly for what we're looking for moving forward.

 

[RedHawkDown]

If the Rangers end up in blow it up mode, I want to see what it would take to land K'Andre Miller. Age and ability slots him almost perfectly for what we're looking for moving forward.

He's been very bad this year, so I'd be a bit careful with him. Riding hype.