The Detroit Red Wings have earned a postseason berth for 25 consecutive seasons and there's no reason to believe they won't reach the playoffs for the 26th straight time.
The biggest news surrounding the team during the offseason was the departure of veteran forward and Stanley Cup winner Pavel Datsyuk, who returned home to Russia and play in the KHL. Red Wings GM Ken Holland traded Datsyuk's rights to the Arizona Coyotes to clear up cap space, and now a new era begins in Detroit with the additions of Frans Nielsen, Thomas Vanek and Steve Ott.
Coach Jeff Blashill enters his second season behind the bench, and new assistants Doug Houda and John Torchetti bring more coaching experience. The Red Wings don't have many superstars in their prime, but offensively they have depth and the defense is a work in progress.
Best new faces
Nielsen was a huge pickup for Detroit. The 32-year-old forward spent his entire career with the New York Islanders. The Red Wings believe Nielsen -- whom they gave a six-year deal worth $30.2 million -- will add exactly what they need. Nielsen, who helped lead Team Europe to the finals the World Cup of Hockey, proved he can hold his own against the best players in the world. A solid two-way player who can be used in every situation, Nielsen will be as good of a replacement as the Red Wings could find for Datsyuk.
Vanek, 32, had his contract bought out by the Minnesota Wild during the offseason. He has proven in the past to be able to score, but his biggest strength could be what he brings to the Red Wings' power play.
Ott, who was signed to a one-year deal, will also add grit and leadership. He's a vocal guy in the dressing room and an agitator on the ice. The line of Ott, Luke Glendening and Drew Miller should be a solid checking unit for the Red Wings.
Biggest unknowns
Defensively, the Red Wings have questions. The health of Niklas Kronwall's knee remains a concern. He was forced to pull out of the World Cup for Team Sweden because of wear and tear on his knees. The Red Wings limited Kronwall during training camp to get him ready for the start of the season.
Captain Henrik Zetterberg also missed the World Cup because of a knee injury but is expected to be ready for the start of the season. Defenseman Brendan Smith, who has been in and out of the lineup, will be given an opportunity to play every game this season.
Forward Dylan Larkin is looking to build on his successful rookie season. The 20-year-old forward registered 23 goals and 22 assists for 45 points in 80 games on the wing in 2015-16, but this season he will return to his natural position at center. He played for Team North America during the World Cup and that experience should help him with the Red Wings, but how he adjusts to moving back to the middle is worth watching.
Once Zetterberg is healthy, he should be able to produce his 10th season of 50 or more points. He had 13 goals and 37 assists for 50 points in 82 games in 2015-16. Forwards Tomas Tatar and Gustav Nyquist combined for 55 goals two seasons ago and 40 again last season. Those players, along with Riley Sheahan, need to take the next step in their respective careers -- and that includes more ice time and more responsibility.
Sure things
Goaltending should be a strength for Detroit again this season. Until the first of the year last season, the Red Wings rotated Jimmy Howard and Petr Mrazek in net. It was a solid tandem for Detroit. Mrazek played the majority of the games in the second half of the season, but Howard played 10 of the final 11 games of the season entering the playoffs. After the Tampa Bay Lightning defeated Howard and Red Wings in the first two games of their series, Mrazek won Game 3 but dropped the next two to end the series. He played well in the World Cup for the Czech Republic.
Prediction
The Red Wings should be in the same position they've been in the last two or three seasons -- they should battle for a playoff spot, and ultimately earn yet another consecutive postseason berth. Fourth in the Atlantic.