Not too often can one say that arguably the biggest move of the NHL off- season didn't involve an actual player, but this rings true in the case of the Detroit Red Wings. For the first time in 11 seasons, Mike Babcock won't be seen behind the home bench at the Joe Louis Arena once the season starts up in October. Meanwhile in Florida, changes over the summer have been seldom, and the team looks very similar team to the 2014-2015 Panthers installment. Nevertheless, once again, Detroit and Florida look to be heading in two very different directions going into the upcoming season.
Detroit Red Wings
Off- Season Moves: One of the biggest changes in Detroit this summer was the loss of longtime head coach Mike Babcock. With Babcock leaving the team after his contract expired, the Red Wings signed Grand Rapids' head coach Jeff Blashill. Although there is no replacing a coach like Babcock, Blashill proved himself in his three seasons with Detroit's AHL team, winning one Calder Cup, and a Coach of the Year award. Blashill is one of the youngest coaches in the NHL at 41 years old, but will be helped out in his first year by the Red Wing's talented team. Last season, Detroit lost a close Round 1 match up against the Tampa Bay Lightning, who went on to win the Eastern Conference. Going into the new season, Detroit has improved greatly, adding two of the most sought after free agents in Brad Richards and Mike Green. Richards is a two- time Cup Champion, and will provide experience for some of the younger forwards such as Tomas Tatar and Gustav Nyquist. Although Richards is past his prime, he will still be able to contribute, and since Detroit only gave him a one year deal, there is very little risk in the signing. Green was an addition that will allow Detroit's defence to contribute more offensively, and Green will likely be the quarterback to the Red Wings' powerplay.
Direction of the Team: With the additions of Richards and Green, Detroit could find themselves in a very good spot in the Eastern Conference. For decades the Red Wings have managed to filter out aging players while bringing in new players, and have never had any real roster changes between seasons. However even with that, Detroit still remains one of the oldest teams in the league, with stars Pavel Datsyuk, Henrik Zetterberg, Niklas Kronwall, and others all in their late 30's. This begs the question of whether or not the Red Wings will be on a downward decline over the coming years, but at least for this year Detroit will keep a strong team. One big change that was seen last season with the team was young goaltender Petr Mrazek taking over the number one position from Jimmy Howard. It's fair to say Howard will likely not want to be a back-up goalie for long, so if Mrazek keeps up his play, Detroit may end up making a deal involving their former star goaltender. With four years remaining on his contract, Howard could bring in a good return for the team, with Detroit gaining young prospects to help with the aging problem of the Wings. However for now, Detroit has two strong goalies, that will help to lead the team to another successful season.
Projected Finish: The Wings have continued to improve throughout the off- season, and are looking at another playoff season. The mix of veterans and newcomers seems to be a good balance in Detroit, and for at least this season, fans can expect Detroit to be one of the teams leading the conference.
Final Prediction: Skilled team with the potential for a deep playoff run, 2nd-3rd place finish in the Atlantic Division.
Florida Panthers
Off- Season Moves: The Panthers were extremely quiet in the off- season, making no significant signings or changes to their roster. One move that was made, was swapping forwards with the Bruins, sending Jimmy Hayes to Boston in exchange for Reilly Smith. Both are solid, young players, and the deal was likely just meant to be a shake up for both teams, with the deal making no significant gain or loss for either team.
Direction of the Team: Florida has a very strong group of young players who are all sure to have a bright future in the NHL, however these players are being overshadowed by the aging veterans of the team. In recent years, the Panthers have done an incredible job drafting, picking up Jonathan Huberdeau, Aaron Ekblad, Aleksander Barkov, and others. Ekblad was the team's top defenceman in his rookie season, while Barkov and Huberdeau led much of the team's offense. This group of players will form a strong base for the team in upcoming seasons, but as of now, the core of the team is made up of players past their prime such as Jaromir Jagr, and Willie Mitchell. These players could be moved to a contending team, bringing in a decent return, while giving their younger players more ice time and opportunities. If the Panthers could acquire a strong forward in his prime, it would have a huge upside to the team, giving their younger players someone to feed off of. By keeping the mix of players they have now, the Panthers will have a competitive team, but will often find themselves just outside of the playoffs.
Projected Finish: The Panthers have significant young talent on their roster, but are failing to properly develop them into strong NHL players. Florida can't expect to be a playoff team, after missing the playoffs for many years, and doing nothing to change it.
Final Prediction: The Panthers have a bright future, however they're likely to fall short this season and finish between 10th-13th place in the Eastern Conference.
Direction of the Team: With the additions of Richards and Green, Detroit could find themselves in a very good spot in the Eastern Conference. For decades the Red Wings have managed to filter out aging players while bringing in new players, and have never had any real roster changes between seasons. However even with that, Detroit still remains one of the oldest teams in the league, with stars Pavel Datsyuk, Henrik Zetterberg, Niklas Kronwall, and others all in their late 30's. This begs the question of whether or not the Red Wings will be on a downward decline over the coming years, but at least for this year Detroit will keep a strong team. One big change that was seen last season with the team was young goaltender Petr Mrazek taking over the number one position from Jimmy Howard. It's fair to say Howard will likely not want to be a back-up goalie for long, so if Mrazek keeps up his play, Detroit may end up making a deal involving their former star goaltender. With four years remaining on his contract, Howard could bring in a good return for the team, with Detroit gaining young prospects to help with the aging problem of the Wings. However for now, Detroit has two strong goalies, that will help to lead the team to another successful season.
Projected Finish: The Wings have continued to improve throughout the off- season, and are looking at another playoff season. The mix of veterans and newcomers seems to be a good balance in Detroit, and for at least this season, fans can expect Detroit to be one of the teams leading the conference.
Final Prediction: Skilled team with the potential for a deep playoff run, 2nd-3rd place finish in the Atlantic Division.
Florida Panthers
Off- Season Moves: The Panthers were extremely quiet in the off- season, making no significant signings or changes to their roster. One move that was made, was swapping forwards with the Bruins, sending Jimmy Hayes to Boston in exchange for Reilly Smith. Both are solid, young players, and the deal was likely just meant to be a shake up for both teams, with the deal making no significant gain or loss for either team.
Direction of the Team: Florida has a very strong group of young players who are all sure to have a bright future in the NHL, however these players are being overshadowed by the aging veterans of the team. In recent years, the Panthers have done an incredible job drafting, picking up Jonathan Huberdeau, Aaron Ekblad, Aleksander Barkov, and others. Ekblad was the team's top defenceman in his rookie season, while Barkov and Huberdeau led much of the team's offense. This group of players will form a strong base for the team in upcoming seasons, but as of now, the core of the team is made up of players past their prime such as Jaromir Jagr, and Willie Mitchell. These players could be moved to a contending team, bringing in a decent return, while giving their younger players more ice time and opportunities. If the Panthers could acquire a strong forward in his prime, it would have a huge upside to the team, giving their younger players someone to feed off of. By keeping the mix of players they have now, the Panthers will have a competitive team, but will often find themselves just outside of the playoffs.Projected Finish: The Panthers have significant young talent on their roster, but are failing to properly develop them into strong NHL players. Florida can't expect to be a playoff team, after missing the playoffs for many years, and doing nothing to change it.
Final Prediction: The Panthers have a bright future, however they're likely to fall short this season and finish between 10th-13th place in the Eastern Conference.
