Expectations were low for the Detroit Red Wings at the start of the 2019-20 NHL season, but it was notable that they were the only team mathematically eliminated from playoff contention at the time of the season pause on March 12.
But there is a plan for this rebuild, and an experienced architect at the helm in franchise legend Steve Yzerman, who pulled off a similar task with the Tampa Bay Lightning. So what should fans expect out of this club for 2021? Here's everything you need to know before opening night:
Big question: Is this the last season of misery?
Yzerman took control of the Red Wings in April 2019. The GM refuses to put a timetable on his rebuilding plan, and for the past 20 months it has felt like Detroit has just been biding its time until bloated contracts expire and enough prospects develop. The Red Wings were tough to watch in 2019-20, finishing with a league-low 39 points -- 23 fewer than the Ottawa Senators -- with an absurd minus-122 goal differential.
Yzerman made several depth signings to make the Red Wings more competitive. The question is: Just how competitive (and watchable) are they now?
Did realignment hurt or help?
Let's be honest: Wherever the Red Wings played this season, they would be projected at or near the bottom. Realignment doesn't change much for Detroit's prognosis.
Offseason comings and goings, plus the cap situation
The Red Wings have $9,538,611 in projected cap space, according to Cap Friendly.
Lots of movement in Detroit this offseason. Joining the team: goaltender Thomas Greiss, defensemen Marc Staal, Jon Merrill and Troy Stecher, forwards Vladislav Namestnikov and Bobby Ryan. Gone: goaltender Jimmy Howard, forward Justin Abdelkader, defensemen Madison Bowey, Trevor Daley, and Jonathan Ericsson.
Bold prediction
The defense will significantly improve. The Red Wings finished last in the NHL last season in goals allowed per game (3.73) but should see that number drop. Greiss is an upgrade over Jimmy Howard to platoon with Jonathan Bernier, and the additions of Staal, Stecher and Merrill -- who have all been on winning teams -- make the defense much sturdier.
Breakout candidate: Filip Zadina
Many Red Wings fans hoped Zadina, the sixth overall pick of the 2018 draft, would be contributing by now. But it has been a bumpy start for the winger, who needed to adjust to the North American pro game while building confidence. He could be due for a bigger role this season and is coming off a nice stint with HC Ocelari Trinec of the Czech Extraliga this fall, where he scored eight goals and six assists in 17 games while on loan.
Biggest strength: Relative lack of bad contracts
Even though we're not projecting a memorable Red Wings season, the roster is finally in much better shape. Dylan Larkin and Anthony Mantha are the only players with more than two years left on their contracts -- and those just happen to be Detroit's two most talented players.
Biggest weakness: Lack of overall talent
Detroit has a very good top line, featuring Larkin (who should be named the captain before the season), Mantha and Tyler Bertuzzi. After that, it's hard to identify game-breaking talent in the rest of Detroit's lineup, which is troubling.
Red Wings in NHL Rank
None.
Prospect perspective
Prospects in the top 100: No. 4 Lucas Raymond (LW), No. 9 Moritz Seider (D), No. 74 Joe Veleno (C)
Fantasy facts to know
While the fantasy scenario for at least another season with the Red Wings still comes down to chasing whomever lines up with Larkin, there are some players to look at in deeper leagues now, too. Newcomers Namestnikov and Ryan can give some credibility to a second line, and Filip Hronek has some potential if he secures and maintains the job as power-play quarterback.
That leaves Larkin, Mantha and Bertuzzi as the draftable assets, with Hronek a nice play as a later-round defenseman. Stay out of the goaltender situation and chase any lineup changes that bring a new face to Larkin's side. -- Sean Allen