Red Wings Hit 11-Year High After 50 Games

The Detroit Red Wings are currently on pace for their best season in over a decade. After 50 games played, Detroit has a record of 30-16-4, with 64 points. Thus, Detroit has accrued their highest point total through 50 games since 2014-15, where the team went 29-12-9 with 67 points.  Detroit had 100 points that season, thereby finishing 3rd in their division. 

However, the team’s success hasn’t been enough to create much separation in the division. Detroit currently sits second in the division, behind the Tampa Bay Lightning. Even so, only 10 points separate the top six teams, and only 13 separate the entire group. Accordingly, the Red Wings have to continue to push to avoid a 10th straight season missing the playoffs. 

For the past three seasons, 92 points would have been enough for a team to make the post season in the East. However, that may not be the case this season. With that in mind, General Manager Steve Yzerman is rumored to be looking for upgrades via trade. Even so, the trade market is still relatively small, and will be incredibly competitive. 

Detroit’s biggest needs aren’t easily addressed

The Red Wings greatest need is defensive depth, particularly within the top four. Moritz Seider and Simon Edvinsson play tough minutes, and the team needs to find some balance for their top pairing.  Rookie Axel Sandin-Pellikka continues to grow his game, but his usage can vary depending on the situations. Therefore, if Detroit can find a defenseman who can handle second line minutes it could go a long way. 

Justin Faulk has been mentioned as a potential fit for Detroit, and it’s easy to see why he’s an attractive target. Faulk plays over 22 minutes a night, and has 11 goals (23 points). Carson Soucy of the New York Rangers is relatively new to the rumor mill. Soucy is more defensively focused, and as a left shot may be a better fit in some ways. However, with a 12 team no trade clause it may be difficult to acquire him. 

Detroit could also use a top six forward, and there are some interesting names available. Elias Pettersson has recently been linked to Detroit,  however that deal would be very difficult to close. Pettersson could add serious depth to the center position, but the cost could be more than Detroit would pay.  Nazem Kadri could also help Detroit greatly, but if Kadri is traded the price will be high. 

Steve Yzerman’s plan seems to be working

Detroit’s success has seen multiple points of the “Yzerplan” come into focus. Drafted players Moritz Seider and Simon Edvinsson have been key parts of the defense. Yzerman’s best trade to date continues to pay dividends in Alex Debrincat. Offseason acquisitions John Gibson and James Van Riemsdyk have had a huge impact on this year’s team. 

Multiple rookies have made their debuts, and veteran acquisitions have helped to bridge the gap. Thus, Yzerman’s patience and process seem to have turned the corner. Furthermore, the decision to bring in Todd McLellan last year has transformed the team’s focus. The “draft and develop” model faces heavy criticism in the modern era, but Yzerman still believes in the process. 

With 32 games left, the Red Wings need to find a way to play better than .500 hockey. If the team wins half of the remaining games, they will end the season at 96 points. Still, this year’s wild card may be more difficult to acquire. The Atlantic Division continues to look like the strongest in the NHL, and it may take almost 100 points to play past game 82.