3 Offseason Changes To Get Detroit Red Wings Back In The Playoffs

The Detroit Red Wings didn't play well down the stretch for the second season in a row and missed out on getting back to the playoffs again. There is frustration because the team was good enough to get in this season, especially with the improvement after Todd McLellan took over. There is a good amount that has to happen for the Red Wings to prove they are better and can sustain it.

Kasper & Berggren Top-6 Minutes

Marco Kasper developed nicely this season, but is the future in Detroit. He has already proven he can be a permanent top-6 center and should be playing behind Dylan Larkin on the second line all of next season. It is a different but similar situation for Jonatan Berggren as he has proven himself to be an effective player, but just hasn't been given the runway to execute more lately. He scored 15 goals and 28 points in 67 games as a rookie two seasons ago, got demoted for most of last season, and his ice time was limited to 13 minutes per game this season, resulting in 12 goals and 24 points. Before his talent is wasted, he has to be given more opportunity in the top-6 to be able to break out. It is a much better option than playing Vladimir Tarasenko in that role with the season he had.

Buyout Justin Holl

The Red Wings are able to move off of Jeff Petry this summer because he is a UFA, but still have to deal with one more year of Justin Holl unless they do something about it. Trading him with a pick attached won't be the same situation as what happened with Jake Walman even though it stings, but the team would retain any pick they would have to use to move Holl this offseason by eating some cap for an extra season. Many believe Axel Sandin Pellikka can step right in and take a spot on the Red Wings, and I agree.

Much Better Depth

It remains to be seen what will happen with Patrick Kane, but Craig Smith and Tyler Motte should be as good as gone. What remains doesn't look good, so a lot of pieces have to be added to see improvements. A big portion of the remaining cap space needs to be allocated to the forward group creating inner competition and safety nets for injuries. This will probably have to come from free agency, but could also come from trades. Players like Dominik Shine and Auston Watson shouldn't even be on the roster to begin the season.