The Improved Detroit Red Wings

from Max Bultman and Shayna Goldman of The Athletic,

At Lalonde’s introductory news conference, he said he wanted the team’s identity to be “hard to play against.” And in about one week’s time, Yzerman seems to have upgraded every position group to give Lalonde a real chance at cultivating just that.

In Copp, the Red Wings finally have a two-way center to play behind Dylan Larkin. Perron and Kubalik can each add goal scoring and help the power play. Husso gives Detroit a reliable tandem partner for Alex Nedeljkovic with upside. And Chiarot and Määttä should both slot into the Red Wings’ top four, mentoring Detroit’s key young right-handers. Meanwhile, Pysyk will be part of a crowded battle…