TRAVERSE CITY — Detroit Red Wings coach Jeff Blashill watched from the west-end mezzanine as his team's 40 prospects, including all seven of their recent draft picks, went through drills during their skill development camp Saturday at Centre Ice Arena.
He watched Grand Rapids Griffins coach Todd Nelson lead the practice, and he thought the Wings' future looks bright.
But that's the future.
Following practice, Blashill said the only way for the Wings to win next season as well as snap their streak of three straight first-round exits in the NHL playoffs is for the team to grow from within.