There are times I make a stupid typo or forget to adjust a headline. I’ve even written articles without properly linking sources before. But I’m a small-time fish in a big pond. When I make a mistake, it’s usually just shrugged off.

This, however, was another thing entirely.

The Daily Faceoff is one of the bigger hockey publications in the world. They’ve employed everyone from NHL insider Frank Seravalli to Matt Larkin. Frank himself is one of the top insiders in the entire NHL. So, to see something this arrogantly, confidently wrong in a publication of that size was a bit of a shock to me.

What am I talking about?

I’m talking about the article briefly titled “The Red Wings aren’t all in enough, and it could cost them a playoff spot”. This might be a nitpick, but this title alone is so SEO-laden I half-expected the words Yzerman, Larkin, etc to be in it. The URL is somehow even worse:

So, already, we’ve got a few yellow flags. Not enough where my alarm bells went off, but enough where I’m curious.

Then I got to the content of the article.

Brace yourself for this one

On the surface, you might read these paragraphs and think it’s a perfectly reasonable take. After all, it’s been a while since the Wings have been to the playoffs. It was a surprise that they didn’t target a 2C, either (except they did and, per FRANK SERAVALLI OF THE DAILY FACEOFF, the market never materialized).

So, already, we’ve got some blatant conjecture immediately fact-checked by this author’s own publication. Don’t worry, though, it gets worse. I want to touch on this quote in particular:

“The Red Wings weren’t one of the teams rumored to be on St. Louis Blues’ center Robert Thomas.”

Here’s Elliotte Friedman of 32 Thoughts directly linking Robert Thomas and the Red Wings in an article from March 11th:

Here’s another article, this one from Nick Kypreos in February, linking Robert Thomas to the Red Wings:

Robert Thomas and the Red Wings have been linked by everyone from The Athletic to Octopus Thrower. This is extremely accessible, widely-known information. So why, then, did DFO completely contradict this statement? Nothing in the article seems to suggest that the author has evidence to the contrary. Nothing they’ve shared suggests the Red Wings did nothing to add during the deadline.

So why? Why write this article?

An issue of hubris

I won’t say that the national media has it out for the Red Wings. While it’s a preposterous statement on its own, it’s just simply not true. If the media has it out for any team, it’s the Toronto Maple Leafs, but that’s a discussion for another day. What this does tell me, however, is that many reporters that choose to cover the NHL don’t possess anything more than cursory knowledge of their topic.

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I get it, believe me. If you asked me to write an article about, say, the Montreal Canadiens, I’d be writing about how the pressure is mounting and how there are concerns with the development of prospects. I have no actual knowledge about how the Habs are developing their prospects — just the vibes I gather from past players like Alex Galchenyuk and Jesperi Kotkaniemi.

After doing a bit of research, I realized how laughably wrong I was. After all, Lane Hutson just won the Calder. Ivan Demidov looks like a Calder finalist. But that’s the thing: I didn’t write this article because I don’t know enough about the topic.

This is a much larger issue among the national NHL writing community, I think. It’s understandable, too: how do you expect a reporter to know information about every single team? But, speaking from an editorial perspective, that’s why you have editors. That’s why you have a team of people parsing your articles and pointing out flaws.

This Robert Thomas thing is a no-brainer. It’s easily fixable with a cursory once-over.

I don’t know what goes on at DFO. I don’t have any insider knowledge. What I do know, however, is that one of the biggest hockey publications in the world wrote an entire article based on a false premise.

It begs the question of what else has been published that’s patently false.

Anyway, I think I’ve said my piece. Have a great weekend, everyone!

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After all, the Wings could add a promising young center or a key difference-maker before the playoff push. They might even make a splash for a former 100-point player. While Steve Yzerman is far from a risk-taker, he’s never been shy about his team’s needs. This time around, he’s made it quite public that he’s looking for a second line center and a right handed defenseman.

This trade deadline, I’ve decided to take a different approach. Rather than pontificate on who I would like (as I’ve done over my last few pieces), I tapped the Red Wings creator community for their thoughts. Here’s what they had to say:

Trade need: Top center

Leading the charge on our conversation are my good friends at The Grind Line Podcast. Greg, Ryan, and Tyler have had me on a handful of times and I always leave feeling like I’ve learned something new. They’re on their A-game at all times, keeping casual and hardcore fans alike up-to-date on all things Hockeytown.

“If Yzerman wants a second line center he doesn’t need to look any further than Vincent Trocheck or Robert Thomas,” Greg said. “Trocheck brings the missing physical element and Selke level defense. Thomas provides much needed offensive, is young, and is locked up long-term on an extremely friendly contract. Steve has the assets to go get whoever he wants and now is the time to do it.”

The Grind Line Podcast is available on every streaming platform.

Another case for Robert Thomas

If you don’t listen to our next guests, you probably know who they are. (If neither of those things apply to you, what are you doing?). The Winged Wheel Podcast are an often-recording, frequently-tweeting trio of Canadians dedicated to covering the team we all love (or hate to love). Ryan Hana of the show (thanks Ryan!) reached out with his thoughts on the 2C conundrum:

“Going to take the most obvious, home run answer here and say Robert Thomas. He’s cost controlled at a number that matches the Red Wings core’s (read: insanely good team-value) for 5 more seasons after this one, 26 years old, plays a premium position, 2-way player that produces at roughly a point-per-game clip - the list goes on. The trade market rarely produces players who carry more than one or two of those qualities, and so it’s an exceptional opportunity for Detroit to get a player who has them all.

He’ll cost a pretty penny (3-4 1st round-equivalent assets, give or take) but he’s worth a pretty penny, and Detroit is flush with the assets to make it work.

Ryan and the rest of the WWP are longtime 313 Hockey allies. We salute them! You can find the WWP anywhere you get your podcasts.

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Trade need: Top-four defenseman

Good defensemen are like pitchers in baseball: you can’t get enough of them. Devin Little of The Hockey Writers believes there’s a chance the Wings could score some real difference-makers.

“A veteran, no-frills right-handed defenseman of ta Connor Murphy mold could stabilize the blue line and wouldn’t require a significant investment to acquire.”

“Having said that, I’d like to see the Red Wings make an honest effort to acquire Robert Thomas from the St. Louis Blues,” he added. “I think fans have long waited for Yzerman to show some of the trade magic he displayed during his days in Tampa Bay, and a move like this feels like something Yzerman would have done 10 years ago. “

Devin’s a powerhouse of a writer. He’s able to churn out pieces about the Red Wings at a clip I’ve never seen before. You can find examples of his work at The Hockey Writers, where he relentlessly covers the Winged Wheel we know and love.

Second-pairing, top-of-mind

Devin isn’t the only one who would love to see the Wings acquire a defenseman. Long-time 313 Hockey compatriot Brian Fisher of Locked on Red Wings thinks the team’s got their options cut out for them:

“As far as defense goes, there is a number of interesting players I’d be ok with depending on price,” Fisher said. “Justin Faulk, Dougie Hamilton, Mackenzie Weegar and even Rasmus Ristolanen fill a need for the roster. I don’t LOVE any of them, but I would like them all if the price makes sense, as they would raise the defense’s floor. Weegar probably has the highest ceiling in the short term but the term on his contract makes me uneasy.”

If you need to get your hockey fix and aren’t sure where to turn, Locked on Red Wings is the answer to the question you’ve been asking.

A case for both?

Who says the Wings have to settle for one? Why not get both a defenseman and a 2C? The Mexinadian, a writer-turned-YouTuber within the Wings community, wants both moves instead of just one.

“I’d like to see, at least two moves. Either a second line center like Thomas or Trocheck and a bottom pair RHD, or a 2nd pair RHD so you can move ASP down to the 3rd pair and one or two forwards who can help the bottom-six score a bit more. Can’t rely on James van Riemsdyk the entire time.”

Another option?

What if - and hear my next guest out here - the Wings target a first line winger? After all, Larkin and Raymond need their complementary line mate. Lars Thorsell, host of the one-man show The Swedish Winger, believes the answer lies in Nashville Predators right winger Luke Evangelista.

“Evangelista is primarily a playmaker,” Thorsell said. “My thinking is that he can help the Wings right now and become the long-term solution once Patrick Kane eventually retires.”

Evangelista, 24, has the remainder of this season and next on a contract making $3M per season. He will be a restricted free agent at the end of his contract.

“Evangelista, while not solving the 2C question, is a creator in the offensive zone. He’s a little bit like a modern day Joe Juneau. Plus, he’ll come in cheaper than the otehr forward alternatives we’ve seen linked to Detroit like Robert Thomas and Jordan Kyrou.”

I cannot speak highly enough of The Swedish Winger. Lars is based out of Sweden and is the vanguard on all things Swedes. He’s the first one up-to-date on prospects like Eddie Genborg and the first to know about a skilled SHL prospect. His show is more than worth a listen!

I miss being stressed over a ridiculously close Atlantic division. I miss checking the schedule every day and going “I thought we already played the Stars twice this year”. Heck, I even miss Michael Rasmussen.

The Red Wings have just 24 games left before their regular season comes to an end. They currently sit third in the Atlantic with 72 points in 58 games. The Buffalo Sabres, with one game in hand, sit at 70 points. The Bruins have 69 and a game in hand.

It’s going to be a wild end to the season. Let’s talk about what the Wings have done - and what they still need to do - to close out the 2025-26 season.

How the Wings have fared so far

Things seem different this year. Rather than give up when down a goal, the Wings fight. Even if things don’t turn out as planned, it’s hard to deny they don’t go down swinging. According to StatMuse, Detroit’s power play is the eighth-best in the league with a 23.1% efficiency. Their penalty kill ranks 12th with a 79.6% chance, respectively.

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Lucas Raymond has 60 points in 56 games, good for 20th in NHL scoring. Alex DeBrincat leads the Red Wings with 30 goals, good for 8th in the NHL. Dylan Larkin showed the world just how talented he is on both ends of the ice throughout the Olympic tournament. Take a look at what he did against a stacked Team Canada’s 5 on 3 during the gold medal game:

With that said, there’s one name that sticks out from the rest:

Norritz Seider?

It isn’t just the forwards leading the charge: Moritz Seider is, without a doubt, the best player on the roster. He’s receiving nods from national media for his outstanding defensive play. Dom Luszczyszyn of The Athletic believes that Seider is the best all-around defenseman in the NHL this season:

“Seider is having a special, all-around season and if voters want the complete package, he might be the best choice. No one is doing it all like him.”

During an interview with FanDuel Sports Network in December, head coach Todd McLellan emphasized Seider’s outstanding season.

“I think it all goes together. He defends well, and all of a sudden the puck’s on his tape. He makes really good decisions with it most of the time. I think he’s starting to use his shot a little bit more. It’s not the big slap shot, it’s just that feeder wrist shot that becomes effective.”

Seider has seven goals and 38 points in 58 games with the Red Wings this season.

Glaring issues that need to be addressed

Having said that, there are still a few questions that need answered. In order to make the playoffs in this division, they have to break away from the competition. To do that, they need to address a few key positions by adding a second line center and second pairing defenseman.

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For better or worse, this upcoming trade deadline is a seller’s market. There are too many teams close to clinching that need to separate themselves from the pack. Consequently, there are a handful of teams looking to sell off assets for their respective retools and rebuilds. So, with that said, what - and who - should the Red Wings track?

Finding help for the second pairing

While rookie Axel Sandin-Pellikka has certainly had some strong games, his ice time has been inconsistent at best. There are some nights where he’ll play up to 17 minutes, and others where he’ll have just 9:08 to make an impact. Part of this can be chalked up to rookie growing pains, but, when it comes to a playoff push, teams want a little more reliability from their second pairing defenseman.

With that said, players like Logan Stanley are often mentioned as a temporary replacement. Stanley, who currently plays for the Winnipeg Jets, is not a permanent solution. Rather, he provides enough defensive responsibility to alleviate some of the burden taken on by ASP.

Plus, he’s one heck of a fighter. Here’s a clip of him knocking Brady Tkachuk down with just one punch:

Other candidates linked to the Red Wings include St. Louis Blues defenseman Justin Faulk, who is older and has more term, and San Jose Sharks defender Mario Ferraro. Faulk has another season after 2025-26 making $6M per season, while Ferraro is a pending unrestricted free agent. Who Yzerman chooses to target will ultimately depend on their respective skillset and where they see ASP playing in the near-future.

Answering the 2C question

The line of Patrick Kane, Alex DeBrincat, and Andrew Copp has played well above expectations this season. Copp is having his best year yet with the Red Wings, scoring eight goals and 25 assists for 33 points in 58 games. With that said, however, is Copp the answer at 2C for the playoffs?

Darren Dreger of TSN’s Insider Trading believes the Red Wings will almost certainly target a top-six forward with term. The good news is that there are a multitude of top-six forwards up for grabs. From Nashville’s Ryan O’Reilly to Brayden Schenn of the Blues, the chance for Hockeytown to find their answer comes in many forms

The bad news is that the market, as emphasized earlier, is built for sellers. If the Red Wings truly hope to secure a difference-maker with term, they may find themselves in a bidding war with other would-be contenders. Is general manager Steve Yzerman prepared to go toe-to-toe for a player like, say, Nazem Kadri? Will he pony up if the asking price for Robert Thomas is higher than expected?

Conclusion: Stay the course

It would be extremely remiss of Yzerman to not make a splash during the deadline. How big of a splash that will be depends on two things: how the team performs and where Yzerman believes the team is at. If he thinks they’re ready to take the next step, expect to see a major move. If he’s more risk averse, he’ll almost certainly make a marginal move.

While the latter may seem disappointing to some, it’s important to note that this is just the beginning. The contention window hasn’t even begun to open for the Wings. There’s plenty of time to improve and allow the core to further come into their own. Having said that, if no moves are made, criticism should both be warranted and encouraged.

At this point, it’s on Steve Yzerman to show the team he believes in them.

The Griffins are currently the number one team in the AHL with a 33-6-2-1 record. To say they’ve had an unbelievable season is an understatement. Everyone’s firing on all cylinders. Goaltender Sebastian Cossa sports a jaw-dropping 1.99 goals against average (GAA) and .927 save percentage. Players like Amadeus Lombardi are scoring at a near point-per-game pace (20 points in 22 games). Oh, and did I mention that the Griffins have three All-Stars, an All-Star coach, and an Olympian?

At the rate things are going, the Griffins have the chance to break the most wins in AHL history record (currently held by the Hersey Bears at 52). Last week, I visited Grand Rapids and attended a game at Van Andel Arena to see for myself what makes the Griffins so special. Here’s what I found!

Why you should support the Griffins

There’s something special about the AHL that just can’t be captured anywhere else. It reminds me a lot of college football. Players are hungry. They’re making the most of every minute, doing their best to stand out and, hopefully, earn a call-up to the NHL. Physicality is the name of the game here. In the AHL, you’ll see more hits and fights than you could fathom.

The AHL doesn’t have the oversight or layers of approval that the NHL does when it comes to game day presentations. This means the AHL can have a little more fun with it. The playlists have greater variation, the jumbotron features funnier presentations, and, much to my relief, the dreaded “6-7 Cam” the LCA insists on using wasn’t present.

If we’re getting into the brass tacks, the Griffins are also cheaper than the Wings. You can get a good pair of seats in Van Andel for anywhere from $27-45 a ticket. Plus, they’ve got some insane promo nights. I went during $2 hot dog and beer night. Yes, you read that correctly: you can get five hot dogs for $10. Or five beers for $10. Or any combination of the two.

Above all else, you should support the Griffins because the AHL is where stories begin. It’s where Moritz Seider got his start in North America. It’s the place that shaped guys like Jimmy Howard, Justin Abdelkader, Gustav Nyquist, and Tomas Tatar. Even Dylan Larkin had a stint with the Griffins.

Watching the AHL is like watching the future through a crystal ball. You might not get the clearest picture, but you can catch glimpses of what could be in the future. You might catch a long-time NHL vet clawing his way back to the big leagues. Or you might see a young star in the making making a case for himself. The AHL is a league of stories. And they are stories worth telling.

Insider knowledge on Red Wings prospects

One of the best parts about this job is the people you meet along the way. I’m so fortunate to have met up longtime friends of 313 Hockey, Brandon Cooke and Elaine Shircliff. Brandon is one of the key members of Hockeytown West, a podcast dedicated to the Griffins, while Elaine is the host of Graced by Rain, a Jack-of-all-trades podcast that highlights the Griffins. I met up with both Brandon and Elaine between periods to get their read on what has been a stellar season so far for the Griffins — and how the prospects have played a part.

On the development of prospects

J: So, this has been a crazy season for the Griffins. What have you seen from the prospects so far this season?

B: You see them learning. When you’re surrounded by this much veteran leadership, you can see them learning and absorbing. I think that’s been a real key for them this year. They’re learning how to play the game off the ice and how to be a pro.

E: We’ve been seeing more confidence from them, too. They’ve been able to brush off adversity and just keep going. [Gabriel] Seger’s probably the most emotionally well-adjusted player on the team. We’ve seen the prospects really come into their own this year.

Standout stars

J: Who do you think has been the most improved player of the season so far?

E: Oh, it’s gonna hurt me to say this [laughs] but William Wallinder. He’s improved a ton. Ondrej Becher, too. He’s getting stronger and getting good along the boards. He wasn’t like that last season and his face offs are getting exponentially better. He’s definitely one to watch.

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B: It’s obviously a tough example tonight [the Griffins lost 5-0 to the Chicago Wolves] but I would say Cossa — especially with the consistency aspect of his game. That’s what we were looking for from him. He can be lights out at the beginning of the season, but it was important to see how he adjusted long-term.

What to know about the Griffins

J: I know this is a broad question, but what would you like people who don’t really watch the Griffins to know about the team and the games?

B: I mean, the best thing I can say is if you haven’t been to a game, come to a game. You can watch where Detroit develops and see where the long-term picture comes together.

E: The AHL is really special. There’s no other league like it because the passion comes from players both young and old. You get to see a nice mold of veterans and youth. It’s a bit more fun in that way.

Thank you to both Elaine and Brandon for stopping by to answer some questions! Next time I promise I’ll get a picture!!!

Where to go in Grand Rapids

If you’re planning a trip to Grand Rapids and haven’t been (or haven’t been in a while), boy is there a lot to see and do. I lived in Grand Rapids from 2017-2021 and visiting this weekend felt like I was in a completely different city. The place is changing constantly. New stores are opening, restaurants are posting up, and you can throw a rock and hit a brewery just about anywhere in town.

Here’s what I’d recommend you check out if you’re visiting:

Fun:

• If you’ve ever wondered what a whale skeleton looks like, the Grand Rapids Public Museum has one hanging in their concourse. There are plenty of secrets to be found in the museum and Ah-Nab-Awen Park is gorgeous any time of the year!

• If you happen to be visiting on a warmer day, stop by the Frederik Meijer Gardens to see one of the largest sculpture parks in the world. Highly recommend the Japanese garden section. It’s my favorite!

• The John Ball Zoo has baby red pandas. Need I say any more?

Food:

• Stella’s Lounge has the best burger and fries in the city. It’s also part arcade and all the games are free! To top it all off, it’s only about a five minute walk away from the Van Andel Arena.

• If you’re coming with a group and want to try a bunch of different foods, the

• has a handful of restaurants, a sprawling food court, and a gorgeous greenhouse to enjoy.

• I’m also a sucker for Two Beards Deli sandwiches. The Old Dutch is a personal favorite!

Drinks:

• Across from Stella’s is the Pyramid Scheme, a pinball bar/music venue with cheap drinks!

• You really can’t go wrong with bars around the Van Andel. If you’re good with a walk, Founder’s is always fun. If you want something closer, you’ve got your pick of the litter with HopCat and just about every other bar within a two-block radius.

• If you’re staying in the Eastown area, The Meanwhile is the best bar in Grand Rapids (and possibly the world? Who knows?).

Let me know in the comments if you would like any other recommendations!

The subject line read “INTERVIEW OPP: Detroit Red Wings Captain, Dylan Larkin”. I read it twice, then thrice, then one more time, just to be sure. This couldn’t be a scam…could it? The Dylan Larkin? Waterford’s own? Well, as it turns out, yes. It was, in fact, Dylan Larkin.

I truly could not believe what I was reading.

How the interview went

I’ve interviewed players in the past, but, like those interviews, I only had a brief 5-minute period to speak to Dylan. Since the focal point of the interview lay around his partnership with Charmin, I had just a few minutes to ask questions about the Wings and the Olympics. My original article, uploaded to Heavy Sports just minutes earlier, has a few extra quotes, but I included the lion’s share of the interview below.

For those unaware, Larkin’s known for showing up in games that matter. Here’s a clutch goal he scored against Jordan Binnington during the final round of the Four Nations Faceoff:

I made sure to ask him all about at experience, how international line chemistry works, and, of course, who he’d bring back with him from the Olympics. You can read the full transcript of the interview below the video, but, if you’d prefer to see me stare longingly into my laptop camera, that is also available.

Watch my interview with Dylan Larkin

Interview transcript

On the 2025-26 season

J: This season has been such a great journey for fans and I hope it’s been the same for you. What do you attribute the success to?

D: I mean, it’s just like you said, a journey. It’s not even this year, either. It’s last year with Todd (McLellan) taking over the team and instilling confidence in our group. He showed us how winning hockey looks. I’d throw a lot of credit in Todd’s corner as to why the team is having success. Same to Steve (Yzerman) too, getting us Gibson and how well he’s played for us. These last 22 games he’s been on fire.

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J: Every hockey player has their routine before game time. What’s yours?

D: I like to start my afternoon with a nap. I’ll probably crash an hour, two hours, then I get up and shower and grab coffee and make my way to the rink. Usually with the coffee I have to go to the bathroom [laughs].

After I’m done with my business, I start with two puck (stick handling drill) and do my whole warmup on the ice. I like to run the warmups and get all the guys ready to go. Then, from there, the game starts.

Larkin on Olympics, Team USA

J: You were a huge factor in last year’s Four Nations Faceoff. What was it like playing with different players than your typical line mates? Did you have to make any adjustments to your game?

D: I think the biggest adjustment was playing on the wing for a little bit. You don’t have as many responsibilities defensively but you have more responsibility to open up space for other guys on the ice and get to the net. We tried to keep things as fast as we can.

J: Last question, Dylan: if you could bring anyone back with you from this Olympic roster to join you on the Red Wings, who would you pick and why?

D: Can I take them all? [laughs]. No, I’d probably say Zach Werenski. He’s one of my best friends. We grew up playing together. You know, he was my roommate at Michigan, I was in his wedding…he’s just such a special player. He’s a real force with how big he is and how well he can skate. He truly dominates as a defenseman.

Dylan Larkin makes his Team USA Olympic debut on February 12 against Team Latvia.

For those unfamiliar, T.J. Oshie is one of the best Indigenous players in NHL history. He’s played for everyone from the St. Louis Blues to the Washington Capitals, winning a Stanley Cup and appearing in the All Star Game in 2020. Oshie is most notably known for his legendary performance at the 2014 Sochi Olympics, where his incredible shootout streak earned him the moniker “T.J. Sochi”.

I’m so excited to share my interview with T.J. this week in preparation for his first-ever Super Bowl appearance. It always seems like retired athletes do side quests after they finish their careers, and it looks like T.J. is no exception to the rule. I’ve seen him show up on the NHL Network, contributing to ESPN, and even helping out with the Capitals. This time around, he’s partnered with Michelob Ultra (and Kurt Russell of all people) to debut his first-ever Super Bowl commercial next weekend.

How the interview went

If you’ve ever watched a post-game interview, your knee-jerk reaction might be one of hesitation. Sometimes, the players mute their personality or have to put on a hard face when the media hounds them with questions. Imagine losing in a blowout and then a journalist asks you “so what happened?” after a game. (Uh, I don’t know, they scored more goals than we did?)

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T.J. was really kind and personable. At one point, my cat, Jimmy, decided to make his presence known, and, without a beat, T.J. asks what his name is and what he’s like. The rest of the interview went so smoothly after that. He even asked where Jimmy went post-interview!

Where to read it!

You can find the interview itself on Heavy’s website. While you’re on there, be sure to check out my author’s bio and a few of the other pieces I’ve written. Here’s a little snippet of my conversation with T.J.!

The average temperature of the Black Sea, for the record, hovers anywhere from 31-50 degrees Fahrenheit. Even the thought of that is enough to give me the chills.

Stay tuned for more updates from 313 Hockey. We’ve got the biggest interview yet on the docket!

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I’ve been noticing this trend a lot lately. A team announces an extension of a favorite player and fans are excited. Within minutes, advanced analytic evangelists show up to rain on the parade. They’ll post charts without context and make sweeping assumptions about the players mentioned. These, more often than not, age quite poorly. One of my personal favorite poorly-aged tweets comes from Patrick Bacon of TopDownHockey:

Now, before I start sounding like Old Man Yells At Cloud, I need to make something abundantly clear: advanced analytics are, on their own, not a bad thing. In fact, they’re used by every single organization in the NHL to better evaluate players. I use advanced analytics when I do player evaluations! This is not an anti-analytics piece. Analytics are not bad. What is a bad thing, however, are sweeping generalizations and premature conclusions (especially when they’re delivered smugly).

If you don’t like the Chiarot signing, fine. But I’m here to tell you right now: we don’t care.

Let’s get this out of the way

I realize the irony in writing an entire article to let people know you don’t care. But I think it’s important to call out these things when you see them. People online often pose themselves as experts despite not watching the actual games. It’s like pointing at Marco Kasper’s goals and assists and calling him a bad player. While, yes, he’s having an abysmal sophomore slump, he also has six points in his last six games and has doubled his points this season in that timeframe.

Think of player evaluation like painting a picture. Advanced analytics are your light and shadow. They help to define space and parameters from which you can work. These sorts of graphs should be used as a jumping off point, not an open-and-shut evaluation. Without additional context (and, yes, the eye test), they’re useless. If we relied solely on advanced analytics to determine the success of a player, Oliver Ekman-Larsson (one of the top trade candidates this season) would’ve been an afterthought.

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OEL isn’t the only example. Take a look at Sam Bennett, who was viewed by many as an afterthought. JFresh (known arch enemy of Red Wings Twitter) concluded that he was a “fourth line forward” after his trade to the Florida Panthers. Bennett is now a second-line center with a Conn Smythe trophy under his belt as a playoff MVP.

So why am I bringing up all of this, anyway? What’s the point?

The point is that you can formulate your own opinion. It is vital that you do not take an advanced analytics card as the objective truth about a player. After all, one of the top analytics models in the NHL world just got replaced by a new one. It’s hard to take analytics evangelists seriously if the model they described as an “objective truth” for years has been so easily replaced.

The point is that hockey’s just as much a numbers game as it is a vibes game.

Why vibes are the best stat

It might seem amorphous. After all, you can’t quantify vibes. You can, however, see their impact in real time. Take the Toronto Maple Leafs, for example. The Athletic’s advanced analytics model projected the Leafs to finish with 102 points at 7th in NHL standings.

The Leafs currently sport a 24-20-9 record. They’re 7th in the division and 21st in the league. Why that is amounts to a few things: injuries, of course, play a major role. Auston Matthews looked like a shell of his former self up until recently. The biggest reason why they’re floundering, however, has to do with vibes.

Watch this interview with Matthews after a brutal 7-4 shellacking from the Buffalo Sabres:

What stood out to you? Does Matthews look engaged? Let’s put this one side-by-side with Colorado Avalanche superstar Nathan MacKinnon after a brutal loss to the Vegas Golden Knights in the playoffs:

You know what happened the season after this one? MacKinnon won the Stanley Cup. Vibes are integral to a team’s success. Without them, you’re as good as gone. Unfortunately, you can’t really quantify vibes. They’re amorphous and, more often than not, are directly impacted by what happens off the ice.

What does this have to do with Ben Chiarot?

I’m not going to act like Ben Chiarot is the savior of Hockeytown. He’s a third-pairing defenseman asked to play second-pairing minutes. Chiarot has been asked to punch well above his weight throughout his entire time with Detroit. In that time, he’s been solid at best and scary at worst.

But he brings the vibes.

Watch this fight with Morgan Geekie of the Boston Bruins:

The fans are energized. The players are engaged. Guys like Chiarot are essential to the modern game of hockey. They’re your energy guys. The ones that keep the team locked in. Chiarot’s got hundreds of games under his belt and almost a full regular season’s worth in playoff games (including a trip to the Stanley Cup Finals). He’s never going to be your best guy on the ice. In fact, I wouldn’t even say he’s going to be a top-three guy on the ice.

But he’s going to bring the energy. He’s going to give the team the good vibes it sorely needs. A $3.85M/year contract to play a bottom-pairing role on the defense is, at best, negligible. It becomes even more of an afterthought once you realize how much the salary cap is set to rise over the coming seasons.

Chiarot brings, for lack of a better term, intangibles essential to a successful locker room. To not understand that is to not understand the NHL at a fundamental level.

Plus he hits really hard and he is quite handsome. What more could you want?

Before this trip, I’d been to 12: Detroit, Columbus, Carolina, New Jersey, Buffalo, Dallas, Seattle, Las Vegas, Calgary, Chicago, Pittsburgh, and Philadelphia. In 2026, I’m hoping to hit at least three more before the end of the year. First on my list is Minnesota, home to the Wild. This trip’s a little different from the ones I’ve taken in the past, though: I’ve got an #insiderrr here.

Meet Joey, Video Producer for the Minnesota Wild! Joey’s been a friend of mine since the very early days of Old 313 Hockey. She’s an unbelievably talented producer who put together an amazing itinerary for my visit. This is, of course, a strange time to visit, given current events, but it was a journey I was intent on making as a sign of solidarity.

So what did I uncover on my pilgrimage? What secrets did I learn about working for an NHL org? Let me tell you all about it:

What I tried in Minneapolis

Our first stop after the airport was Matt’s Bar. Matt’s is famous for the “Juicy Lucy”, a burger with cheese on the inside. (Incredible). It was the perfect way to welcome me into the state of Minnesota: a dish as a warm as the people that inhabit the cities. Couple that bad boy with the largest order of fries I’ve ever seen and you’ve got yourself one heck of a welcome into the Twin Cities.

The people of Minnesota are some of the kindest, most welcoming people I’ve ever met. I took a trip to the Minnesota Historical Museum and one of the volunteers struck up a 15 minute conversation with me after seeing my Zetterberg jersey.

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The people of the Twin Cities are passionate. But it isn’t just that they love hockey: they’re certified Puck Knowers. They can sing praises about a fourth line forward just as much as they can analyze the first stride of a top line center. This doesn’t just apply to people at the game, either: at one point, a stranger at a restaurant approached me to ask how I thought Andrew Copp was doing this season.

Andrew Copp!

Where to go before the game

If you decide to make a trip out to the Twin Cities, boy do I have some ideas for you. The Grand Casino Arena (home of the Wild) is in St. Paul, but it’s close enough to Minneapolis that you can make your journey across either city. I cannot stress how cold Minneapolis and St. Paul can get. This was the weather the day I went to the game:

Layering up is essential. My mustache froze to my face after just a 5 minute walk! When I stopped by Cosetta’s in St. Paul for lunch (highly recommend if you like Italian food), a bartender spent the whole time talking to me about what she loves about the city. Just a block away lay Tom Reid’s, a legendary hockey bar full of jerseys, pull tabs, memorabilia, and, of course, cheap drinks.

Here’s where I’d recommend you go before the game:

• Cossetta’s: Italian marketplace, plenty of dining options and drinks!

• Tom Reid’s Hockey City Pub: The most hockey-related memorabilia I’ve ever seen in one location apart from the Hockey Hall of Fame. Tom himself is often in attendance and he’s such a nice guy!

• Waldmann: If you like German food, you’re sure to get your money’s worth here. Cannot recommend the wurst enough.

• Bad Weather Brewing Co.: Plenty of board games and drinks and a free shuttle to the game so you can skip out on that pesky weather!

Life working for an NHL team

Life as an NHL producer is a lot of work. During my trip out to Minnesota, Joey worked most of the time in order to get a handful of videos in at a tight schedule. If you take the trip out to see the Wild this season, you’ll see her handiwork between periods and during hype and welcome back videos. While I was visiting, she spent a few hours working on an Eric Staal (yes, that Eric Staal) welcome back video. Here’s one she made for Filip Gustavsson’s extension!

I had the chance to talk to a few other members of the staff as well to learn just what it was like to work for an NHL team. They all agreed that, while it can sometimes be a lot of work, the final result makes it all worthwhile. One thing I noticed on my trip is that they have to be ready at all times for breaking news. After all, you never know when your team is going to, say, trade for a top-two defenseman in the NHL.

What was the game like?

The Grand Casino Arena (formerly known as the Xcel Energy Center) is, for lack of a better term, wild. The concourse designers used a lot of beige to accent the Wild’s green and red color scheme, giving it almost a cozy feel. I use the word “cozy” because the concourse itself is a little tightly-packed. If you’re used to the spread out setting of the LCA, you’re going to be a little disappointed trying to get around the GCA.

Joey got us killer seats thanks to her gig. We sat behind the Wild’s side of the stadium and I snapped a quick pic of the crowd:

Pictures do not do it justice. The environment was electric. I could barely hear my own thoughts over the roar of the crowd. It was a Thursday night in a game between two teams that meet twice a year and it felt like a playoff game. The game itself was intense, with the Wild, sadly, coming up ahead in overtime. But, during that time, I never once felt unwelcome or unhappy to be among the Wild’s fanbase.

Out of all the arenas I’ve been to, this is one of the better experiences I’ve had!

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The only issue I really had was leaving the arena itself. I’m not exactly sure what happened, but we were stuck in complete standstill foot traffic for close to 25 minutes. People were packed shoulder-to-shoulder like canned sardines. One one hand, I can’t blame them as it was -30 outside by the time the game ended. On the other, I wish the arena was a little better prepared for the postgame mass exodus.

Is it worth the trip?

Out of all the cities I’ve visited on my NHL list so far, I’d put the Twin Cities in the upper tier. I’d highly recommend visiting during warmer months, though, as we could scarcely leave Joey’s house without fear of frostbite! There’s a lot to do in the Twin Cities and plenty of hockey-centric fun and friends you can make. I know the “Minnesota Mild” joke is thrown around quite a bit, but, if you visit, I promise you won’t think their energy is mild at all.

Last, but not least (and I cannot stress this enough): wear an extra layer whenever you go outside.

The Detroit Red Wings are currently second in the Atlantic division. They’re tied for most wins in the Eastern Conference with 30 and this is the fastest they’ve gotten to this point since 2011-12. They have the sixth best power play in the NHL and the fifth highest high danger shot chance in the league.

So what’s with the title? Why isn’t this just a puff piece on how far the Wings have come?

Well, unfortunately, the elephant is back again. This time he’s got some serious questions about Detroit’s depth.

The Wings need depth.

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Wait, what?

“But Jake,” you may ask, “why are you so worried about depth? The team is at the top of the division and they have two guys scoring over a point per game!”. Maybe it’s my anxiety speaking, but I’m getting increasingly worried about even strength scoring. The Wings are 23rd in 5v5 goals this season with 90. Over a third of their 157 goals this season come from the power play or shorthanded. This is, for lack of a better term, a problem.

The Wings are, for the first time in a while, in the green on goal differential with a +4. Apart from the spiraling Anaheim Ducks and the rebuilding San Jose Sharks, the Wings have the lowest goal differential among would-be playoff teams. You can only ask Alex DeBrincat and Dylan Larkin to score so many times.

Once teams figure out that they can win if the shut down Larkin and DeBrincat, how will the Wings adjust? This is the biggest difference between a bubble team and a playoff team. Bubble teams rely on unsustainably high shooting percentages to steal wins. Playoff teams rely on depth to deliver when the stars can’t shake it.

So where can the Wings find some help?

Looking outside

The easiest answer to this question, of course, comes from outside help. TSN’s trade bait list features a bevy of would-be Wings that Detroit can consider. (Well, except for Kiefer Sherwood and Rasmus Andersson, both of whom were traded this week). Some come in the form of short-term help like Michael Bunting (remember him?) and others, like Nazem Kadri, come with some extra term.

The second line of Alex DeBrincat, Andrew Copp, and Patrick Kane is among the top lines in the league in terms of puck possession, goals for, and expected goals. he first line, on the other hand, needs a bit of work. Lucas Raymond took a brief hiatus from top line duties before making his return, but the Wings have struggled to find a suitable line mate for him and Larkin.

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Emmitt Finnie did an admirable job at first, but his scoring hasn’t quite kept up with the rest of the line. After an abysmal first half of the season, Marco Kasper looks like he’s slowly returning to form, but is he truly the answer? The top line, more than anything, needs a goal scorer. If Steve Yzerman wants to bring in some extra help, there are quite a few candidates the Wings could look into for a top line role. Among them…

Artemi Panarin?

The Breadman himself is an unrestricted free agent after this year. Patrick Kane’s old bestie was informed by the New York Rangers that they won’t be extending his contract, leaving the Russian on the hunt for a new team. Enter the Red Wings, home of Patrick Kane. Plenty of hockey insiders have already linked Hockeytown to Panarin. The flashy forward has had a fantastic season, putting up 56 points in 50 games with the Rangers.

But, at 34 years old and no extension in sight, should the Wings take a swing? What would a deal look like? A player of Panarin’s caliber would certainly command at first round pick and a high tier prospect at minimum. Would Yzerman want to make a trade if he can’t secure an extension beforehand?

To put it bluntly, Panarin would be an immediate upgrade for this roster. He’s an excellent playmaker and is more than capable of driving a line on his own. With Larkin as his center and Raymond on his wing, Detroit would immediately have one of the deadliest top lines in the league. Here’s a video of Panarin making a fool out of one of the best defensemen in the league, Jaccob Slavin:

One of the biggest (and least talked about) things about Panarin that might give Yzerman pause are his legal troubles. Panarin was the subject of sexual assault allegations last season but settled the matter out of court. The Rangers consider the matter closed, but this may make some general managers think twice about a trade. Then again, we’ve seen Evander Kane get endless second chances over his career, so what do I know?

What about Steven Stamkos?

Stamkos and Detroit seem inexorably linked. Back in 2016, then-general manager Ken Holland made it publicly clear that he wanted to sign Panarin to a massive deal. While that (obviously) didn’t work out, Stamkos keeps showing up on the Red Wings’ radar. This time around, he comes with a little extra term and an $8M cap hit for two seasons.

Stamkos is having a quiet season by his standards, putting up just 21 goals and 33 points in 49 games with the Nashville Predators. While those numbers may not leap off the page, it’s important to note that Stamkos plays on a team with a -25 goal differential and leads his team in goals scored. He’s still got what it takes to produce a 35-40 goal season.

Still, at 36 years of age, how long can the Red Wings rely on him? Would his enticing $8M cap hit produce a bidding war with Cup contenders like Colorado and Dallas? Stamkos seems like the dream candidate for a contender. He’d certainly upgrade the Wings, but Yzerman might conclude that the juice just isn’t worth the squeeze on this front.

A solution from within

There is, of course, a much simpler answer: a solution that’s already been tested and proven. Michael Brandsegg-Nygard played his first nine games with the Red Wings at the start of the season. He only produced one assist in that time and was sent down to the Grand Rapids Griffins as a result. Since then, he’s been nearly unstoppable in the AHL, posting 24 points in 31 games with the Griffins.

The question remains, of course, whether or not MBN is ready for the NHL. I asked Brandon Cooke of the Hockeytown West podcast, the prominent voice of the AHL, and this is what he had to say:

“Why not? Get him back in the lineup and see how he’s grown during this stint. If the Red Wings don’t like what he brings to the table, send him back to Grand Rapids. This is one prospect I can guarantee that will never take a send down negatively and will always put in the work.” - Brandon Cooke, Hockeytown West

Does MBN have what it takes to take on a top line role? It’s hard to say for certain. Moving from the AHL to a top line in the NHL is, to say the least, a substantial transition. What will the Wings do if he can’t pick it up quick enough? Is it time to make a trade then?

Conclusion: Don’t rush, don’t drag

The best thing that the Red Wings can do is stay the course. If there’s a deal to be made, a deal with term is preferable. After all, you don’t want to end up in a Mikko Rantanen situation where the acquired player doesn’t want to sign an extension.

Look, let’s just be realistic here: this team is not built to make a deep run. As it stands, the team certainly can and should make the playoffs. But this year isn’t about contending for the Cup; nor should it be. This should be a year where players experience the playoffs as a team to understand the rigor of the postseason. This isn’t the time to go all in.

It is, however, the time to make a move.

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This can’t be like previous seasons where the team stood pat or made moves around the margins. Yzerman has to show his team he trusts them and that he wants to help them succeed. It doesn’t mean they have to swing for the fences, of course. But getting a difference maker or a player with term can signify to the roster that Yzerman believes in them and wants to build for the long run.

But, then again, he could just as easily prove me wrong. Expect the unexpected with the Yzerplan!

Between their 11-3-1 stint in January and their rumored interest in several players, NHL media has been abuzz about Hockeytown. In fact, Elliotte Friedman shared a recent tidbit about Quinn Hughes on the 32 Thoughts Podcast, where he revealed that Detroit was the destination Hughes had hoped to arrive.

This has, for some reason, upset a few people that aren’t Red Wings fans.

One of the biggest dealbreakers in the would-be Hughes trade involved Simon Edvinsson. Anyone that’s watched the Wings for more than five minutes this season recognizes the team’s need for a top-four defenseman. Trading one top-four defenseman and a slew of picks and prospects for Hughes doesn’t plug that gap. Hughes is, of course, an upgrade over Edvinsson, but the trade wouldn’t solve any problems.

The other dealbreaker, as reported by Friedman, was the lack of a contract extension. But what if I told you there was a top-four defenseman available that could potentially sign an extension today?

Allow me to introduce you to Rasmus Andersson:

Who is Rasmus Andersson?

Rasmus Andersson is a 29-year-old Swedish defenseman for the Calgary Flames. You might recognize him as the guy who got hit by a car before a game two years ago. Andersson is, in no hyperbolic terms, the best defenseman on the Flames. Part of this is due to the team’s roster. The rest of it, however, rests on Andersson’s play.

The guy has a nose for the puck. He leads all defenseman for the Flames with 29 points in 46 games. While these numbers might not seem earth-shattering, it’s important to note that the Flames have a -21 goal differential — good for fourth-last in the league. The fact that Andersson can keep those numbers so high is testament to his offensive ability. Take a look at this clip where Andersson absolutely takes over in the offensive zone:

The Red Wings have struggled with finishing throughout most of this season. They rank among the lower third of teams in finishing percentage in the NHL. Getting a guy like Andersson would drastically improve their ability to generate offensive threats, especially during 5v5 situations.

Oh, and did I mention he’s a certified dawg?

Counterpoint: We have Andersson at home

It’s important to recognize what Andersson is just as much as what he is not. If you’re expecting him to be this Quinn Hughes-tier defenseman that will overhaul your entire defensive corps, I’m gonna need you to temper your expectations.

Think of Andersson like a Filip Hronek-type defenseman (remember him?). He’s being asked to punch well above his weight by playing first-pairing minutes. On the Wings, he’ll have a little more freedom to do what he does best: score and generate some offense.

This, of course, leads to the elephant in the room: don’t we already have one of those?

Axel Sandin-Pellikka has been asked to do a lot this season. He’s playing top-four minutes with a defensive partner who, despite his solid season thus far, is not a top-four defenseman. Thus, ASP is often caught out of position. There are times he blows coverage or pinches too hard. Still, he’s making fewer mistakes each passing day.

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This leads me to my next point: would getting a guy like Andersson eat into ASP’s time on the power play? Would it damage his chances of playing to his strengths? Andersson is, by all accounts, passable in his own zone. But he’ll be 30 by the time his hypothetical extension kicks in. Would signing Andersson help or hamper ASP’s development? On one hand, two offensive defenseman on one pairing could create a knockoff Lane Hutson-Noah Dobson combo. On the other…

Well, that’s how things like this happen.

The cost of doing business

Now we come to the big ask: what would it take to get New Ras in the Winged Wheel? Andersson is a second pairing defenseman playing first pairing minutes. He’s got plenty of utility on the power play. To top it all off, he’s due for an extension. What should Wings fans expect to give up in the process?

I’ve seen everything from a 3rd round pick and William Wallinder to a 1st and Nate Danielson offered up in hypothetical trades. My guess is the answer lies somewhere in the middle. A guy of Andersson’s caliber in a trade market bereft of defensemen will likely be a slight overpay. If I had to play the guessing game, you’re looking at a 2nd round pick and a prospect of some kind. Maybe a 1st, depending on the prospect.

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If they’re on the hunt for more immediate help, Albert Johansson or even Erik Gustafsson could provide some stopgap depth defense. But, if I had to guess what Calgary wants, it’s young talent. The answer could come in the form of Anton Johansson or Shai Buium, two young defensemen having great seasons with their respective clubs. Ultimately, the onus will fall upon the Flames and whether or not Andersson would be willing to sign an extension.

Yes, you read that right: they’ve only lost in regulation twice. This effort is due in no small part to players like John Leonard and Sheldon Dries, but MBN is far from a passenger on this roster. In 27 games with the Griffins, the 20-year-old forward has stacked up an impressive 21 points — fourth in team scoring and fifth in goals.

It’s time to bring him back to Detroit.

First: Why the Wings sent MBN down

If MBN is as good as he seems, you might wonder why the Red Wings sent him down. The short answer is that a hard reset can help restore confidence in a player. MBN, like the rest of the team at the start of the season, couldn’t buy a goal to save his life. Still, his presence was noticeable. He led the team in hits and imposed his will up and down the lineup. With just a little bit of confidence to his game, he could be quite the fearsome goal-scoring threat.

The longer answer is that it’s a numbers game.

Detroit’s salary situation, explained

Every rookie signed to an entry-level contract is granted a three-year deal. Teams can “slide” a year of that contract and avoid the re-signing period if the player plays nine games or less in a season. MBN hit his nine-game limit earlier this season. This season Red Wings have burned the first-year ELCs of Axel Sandin-Pellikka, Emmitt Finnie, and Nate Danielson.

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At the end of that three-year term, all three of those players will be due for a raise.

Finding the money for the three aforementioned players as well as MBN will require some salary cap gymnastics. Having said that, it’s fair to note that the salary cap is due for an increase over the next three seasons. Still, it’s important that the team considers where they’re at and what they still need. This is the team’s current salary situation over the next three seasons:

On one hand, the team is due for some salary relief in the form of Ben Chiarot, Andrew Copp, and J.T. Compher coming off the books. On the other, key contributors like Simon Edvinsson are due for big raises. To top it all off, the team will need to replace Chiarot, Copp, and Compher with depth contributors. There’s a chance they can properly draft and develop some of these players (looking at you, Carter Bear), but they’ll likely target free agents with others.

Free agents, historically, are not the cheapest solution.

So, the question remains: is it worth it to call up MBN knowing this salary cap situation?

The answer is yes

The Ken Holland era was frequently criticized for “over-ripening” their prospects by keeping them in the AHL for a year or two longer than needed. This trend, thankfully, has not continued in the Yzerman era. We’ve seen four (yes, four) rookie debuts this year alone! If MBN has shown beyond a reasonable doubt that he’s got what it takes to produce at the NHL level, he should be given a chance to prove that.

If his stint in the AHL is any indication, yes, he’s ready.

With that said, I’m far from an expert on the Griffins. I reached out to Elaine Shircliff, who covers the Griffins on the Graced by Rain podcast. This is what she had to say about MBN’s performance so far:

“[MBN] has been on an incline since he arrived in Grand Rapids this season. I’m pretty sure he gives a good number of players in the Central nightmares with the strength in which he lays hits. He’s also done a good job of forcing turnovers at the blue line and behind the net. To be honest, even though he has a lot of offensive upside, sometimes I forget he’s a forward and not a defender.”

You don’t have to just take Elaine’s word for it, though. Hockeytown West host Brandon Cooke had this to say about MBN’s development.

“Not every kid takes getting sent down with a positive attitude but he showed up day one ready to work his hardest and continues to do so night in and night out. He continues to be the vibe that this team echos. He hunts the puck, hits everything that moves, and plays the structure that the coaches expect.”

Take a look at this crazy goal he scored against the Toronto Marlies (check around the 1:30 mark):

The combination of vision, awareness, and shot strength alone makes him a threat in the offensive zone. Imagine what he could do if he can put it all together in Detroit.

MBN’s potential moving forward

Sooner or later, the Wings are going to have to contend with a life without Patrick Kane. While he’s shown no signs of slowing down on the scoresheet (26 points in 30 games), one day, he’ll play his final game in the Winged Wheel. Before that day arrives, the Wings need a contingency plan. Someone will need to step up.

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Now, I’m not saying that MBN is going to be able to perfectly replicate what Kane has done. But, as it stands, MBN seems like the perfect candidate to shoulder some of that offensive burden. MBN has shown flashes of his true potential with his booming shot and physicality. He’s not going to play the same style as Kane, either. His shoot first, hit second mentality is quite different from Kane’s passing and playmaking abilities. But MBN adds some extra snarl to the lineup with a knack for the net.

Pairing MBN with a playmaker would work wonders for his scoring. Maybe you put him on a line with Larkin and see what he can do up there. Or maybe you slot him in somewhere on the bottom-six and see if he can drive the bus on his own. The good thing about a guy like MBN is that he’s versatile enough to play anywhere on the lineup.

“Should MBN get another shot at the lineup this season?” Cooke added on. “ I say why not? Get him back in the lineup and see how he’s grown during this stint. If they don’t like what he brings to the table, send him back to Grand Rapids.”

The question then remains: when will we next see him sport the Winged Wheel?

This article comes from The Hockey Writers, a publication that prioritizes clicks above all else. The article, entitled “Maple Leafs Could Trade Auston Matthews to Red Wings in Suggested League-Altering Blockbuster”, has a title so long I thought it was a Fall Out Boy song.

At first, I was a little intrigued. A trade? For Auston Matthews? I mean, he’s had a rough season and a half, sure, but…what price does this author think the Wings should pay?

I’m gonna hold your hand when I tell you this because I truly couldn’t believe it myself:

“Realistically, the Red Wings could acquire Matthews in exchange for Lucas Raymond, Axel Sandin-Pellikka, Michael Brandsegg-Nygard, and two future first-round draft picks.” - A real, actual quote from the article

I wish I was joking.

First: Let’s talk about it

Let me get this out of the way: I still think Auston Matthews has what it takes to be an elite goal-scorer and top-five player in the league. After all, the guy’s two seasons removed from a 69-goal, 107-point season. Those numbers don’t just happen on a whim. Matthews is one of the best goal-scorers in the league and, even in an oft-injured campaign last year, he still managed 33 goals in 67 games.

But to not address the elephant in the room would be a detriment to both parties.

Something’s up with the captain of the Leafs. Some people chalk it up to untreated injuries. Others to a lack of effort due to coaching styles or team chemistry. Either way, Matthews hasn’t played like he has in the past. Take a look at his effort during Simon Edvinsson’s overtime game-winner just a few days ago:

Matthews sat out the next game with a lower-body injury. Did he miss his coverage of Edvinsson because of an injury, or a lack of effort? Either way, I’m left with more questions than answers. If Matthews has been playing through a serious injury, that’s blatant mismanagement by the Leafs. If it’s a lack of effort, do you really think Todd McLellan will let that kind of play slide?

Second: How does any of this make sense?

The Red Wings are currently first in an incredibly tight Atlantic division with just a one point lead on the Montreal Canadiens. Every team in the division is above .500 right now. Any mistake - no matter how minor - could make or break the season. So why, then, would the Red Wings rock the boat?

“But Jake,” you might be saying, “you just said a few weeks ago that the Wings should trade for Quinn Hughes. What gives?”. Hughes is an elite defenseman — some might even call him the second best defenseman in the league behind Cale Makar. Getting him on the roster, especially if the team wouldn’t have to give away Axel Sandin-Pellikka, would turn the team’s defensive core into a top-five core in the league.

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What does Auston Matthews do for Detroit’s offense? It moves Larkin down to a 2C role and gives the offense some extra depth, sure, but at what cost? The author’s proposed trade would send Lucas Raymond the other way. Who fills in on the wing? Breaking up Alex DeBrincat and Patrick Kane, especially with their chemistry, would be detrimental to the roster. Who do you put on Matthews’ other wing opposite Finnie? Marco Kasper, the guy with five points this season? 36-year-old James van Riemsdyk?

It just doesn’t make sense at any level.

Third: The price tag

Like I said earlier, Matthews is one of the best centers in the league. Behind Alex Ovechkin, he’s been the best goal scorer of the last decade. But this is an absolutely astronomical price tag for a guy who’s only on the books for another two seasons after this one. Matthews carries a $13.5M cap hit and a full no-movement clause. That means, even if the Leafs were to contemplate a trade, they’d need Matthews to waive his NMC. This is unrealistic at worst and idealistic at best.

To top it all off, the asking price proposed by this article is, for lack of a better term, preposterous. Outrageous, even. The author suggests that the Red Wings trade Matthews for…let me get this straight…their best winger, a young defenseman who made the roster at just 20 years of age, Detroit’s best goal scoring prospect, AND two first round picks? Are we being serious here?

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This is the kind of trade deal you would do for a player like Connor McDavid. Your top prospect, a top-tier player, a top-four defenseman, and multiple first round picks should net you a generational talent. At this point in Matthews’ career - and at this point in Detroit’s rebuild - can a deal like this be justified? I don’t think so.

Conclusion: What are we doing here

I’ve written and deleted about five paragraphs about how ridiculous this author is and how unrealistic this trade seems when it finally hit me:

This was created to drive clicks.

The author doesn’t actually believe in the content of the article. They don’t care about the nuances of either team. They wanted to rage bait Wings fans into clicking the article and writing about it. Well, unfortunately, I fell headfirst into the trap. I’ve written too much about this already to not post it. But let this be a cautionary tale about the dangers of rage bait and what it can do to someone.

This rage bait was so good that I wrote an entire article about it.

I’m talking of course about the Nashville Predators trading Spencer Statsney to the Edmonton Oilers. No, unfortunately, the Detroit Red Wings missed out on Canucks franchise defenseman Quinn Hughes, who now joins one of the best defensive cores in the NHL with the Minnesota Wild. It’s perfectly fine to feel bummed that this didn’t work out for the Wings, but, per Elliotte Friedman, the asking price was just too high for Steve Yzerman.

“There was something Vancouver wanted...that the Red Wings would not include; I have wondered if that was Simon Edvinsson, I don’t know it though.” - Elliotte Friedman, 32 Thoughts Podcast

Hughes was acquired for Zeev Buium, Liam Ohgren, Marco Rossi, and a 1st round pick. In Detroit terms, you’d be looking at something like Simon Edvinsson, Marco Kasper/Nate Danielson, Michael Brandsegg-Nygard, and a 1st. A high price to pay for a defenseman only signed for the next 1.5 years. Hughes would certainly be an upgrade over Edvinsson, but it still doesn’t solve the problem the Wings have with the team’s top-four defensive layout.

Fortunately, there’s another star player-shaped solution that could (and should) shake out. One with ties to Michigan. Ties to Dylan Larkin, even.

Troy Stecher, welcome back to-*a cane yanks me off stage*

Get a load of this guy

If I told you to take a drink every time you’ve ever heard the phrase “did you know Zach Werenski and Dylan Larkin were roommates”, I think half of you would wind up in the hospital by the end of the hour. To say Werenski has been mentioned more than a handful of times is somewhat of an understatement. The former University of Michigan defenseman has spent his entire career with the Columbus Blue Jackets and has made quite the name for himself.

In 600 career games, Werenski has 420 points — genuinely impressive numbers for a defenseman. Last season, he hit a career-high 82 points in 81 games and looks to be on pace for similar numbers this season. Werenski is much, much more than an offensive threat, though. He’s wildly intelligent, capable of breaking up high-motor passing plays and seeing where the puck’s going long before anyone else. Here’s a closer look at Werenski’s defensive game:

The guy is just relentless on the ice. He can read offensive plays and break down defenses with the best of them. He’s far and beyond the best player on the Blue Jackets this season, leading the team in scoring with 36 points in 33 games. You can employ him with Seider and create a two-pronged threat on the team’s top-four, or you can put him with Axel Sandin-Pellikka and create a merciless offensive pairing. A defensive core of Seider, Edvinsson, Werenski, and Sandin-Pellikka is among the best in the league.

There’s just one question:

Why would he leave Columbus?

Why would he leave?

The Blue Jackets, as it stands, are last in the Metropolitan Division. In their last five seasons, they’ve finished 8th in the division three times, 6th once, and, last season, they wound up in 4th place. Should this trajectory keep up, this will be yet another frustrating end to their season. What’s to be done? Sooner or later, the team has to figure out what it needs to do from here. Werenski has just two years left on his contract at $9.5M per season. He’ll be due for a nice big extension shortly after.

The Blue Jackets are slowly building a nice young core with players like Adam Fantilli (21), Denton Mateychuk (21), and Kent Johnson (23). Columbus is on the cusp of a serious youth movement once these players reach their prime. Werenski, on the other hand, is 28 years old. He’s already in his prime. By the time the younger roster is ready to compete, he’ll either be through with his contract or well into his 30s.

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Additionally, Werenski has a no movement clause (NMC) to his contract which becomes a 10-team trade list in 2027-28. With that said, his destiny rests squarely in his hands. If he wants to stick it out, he’s got the rest of this season and two seasons after to figure out his future in Columbus. But, if he’s decided he’s had enough…he can opt out of his NMC.

What’s it gonna take?

Let’s address the elephant in the room: the cost.

Like Hughes, Werenski won’t come cheap. In fact, he’ll likely command a fairly similar price tag to what the Canucks wanted for Hughes. We’re talking a high draft pick, a top prospect, and maybe a roster player, depending on how Columbus views Werenski and where they see the team going from here. Other factors like draft positioning and standing will play a huge role, as well. Where do the Blue Jackets see the roster without Werenski? Is he worth losing for a few picks and prospects, or do they wait until they can maximize his value?

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My guess is that, unless Werenski forces their hand, Columbus will use time to their advantage. They’re in no rush to trade him. He’s still an elite defenseman — one of the best in the league. The bargaining power is entirely in their hands. If a trade is to occur, I imagine that Yzerman and co. will wait until the Blue Jackets see no other option.

If in Hypothetical Land a trade were to occur, I see it looking something like this:

To Detroit:

• Zach Werenski

To Columbus:

• 2026 1st round pick

• 2027 1st round pick

• Marco Kasper OR Nate Danielson

• William Wallinder OR Shai Buium

The price tag is almost certainly going to be high, but I think Yzerman has a little bit more wiggle room with this trade than he did with Hughes. If I’m Yzerman, I’m letting the Blue Jackets take their pick of what they want or choose what draft picks they prefer (with some very minor exceptions). Werenski may not be a Norris-winner, but he’s been a runner-up several times. He’s still an incredibly talented defenseman with a knack for offense.

Do you think it’s worth considering? Why or why not?

Are they a plucky bubble team? An abysmal mess? Somewhere in the middle? There are nights where it looks like the Wings can hang with the best of them, and nights where they can barely stay afloat. The latter has been far more regular as of late. The team has let in 22 goals in their last five games, two of which were ugly 6-goal blowouts. They sport a putrid -12 goal differential with the sixth-worst in the league.

Is this due to bad shooting luck? Or is there something worse in the works?

I chose to investigate.

Why it’s just bad luck

All of the advanced stats and nerds of hockey agree that the Red Wings have unsustainably bad puck luck. According to 313 Hockey adversary JFresh, the Wings should be scoring at a 104-point pace:

For the people that don’t know or care about advanced stats, this means that the Red Wings are taking shots at high-danger areas (places where you’re most likely to score) on a frequent basis. The problem is, they’re just not going in. Goalies against Detroit seem to become prime Dominik Hasek, robbing shots that, by any other metric, should’ve gone in.

In simpler terms, they’re shooting good but not scoring good.

Take a look at this Goal vs. Expected Goal graph from SportLogiq:

The Wings are getting better chances than nearly every team in the league, but they’re getting consistently outscored. This could be attributed to poor goaltending and abysmal defense. But the lack of scoring paints a clearer picture. The Wings, by all accounts, are snakebitten.

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In the words of every old guy who hates analytics, though, hockey is not played on a spreadsheet. You can’t win games on what-ifs and numbers. Still, this indicates that something’s gotta give. Sooner or later, these almost-goals will become true goals.

But will that be enough? And - more importantly - what if they don’t become true goals?

Why it might be bad vibes

There’s something wrong in Hockeytown. The team seems completely, utterly incapable of holding a lead. When they’re down a goal, they grow unconfident and anxious. Ken Kal called it “the yips”. When the team is down, they’re nervous with the puck. They’ll pass it too hard (or too much) and the shots they do fire on the net often wind up directly in the opposing netminder’s pads.

That’s just on the offensive end, as well. On the defense, things look worse than ever. A defenseman giving up the chase and letting in a two-on-one or breakaway is almost inevitable every time the team takes to the ice. Travis Hamonic, very clearly, isn’t the answer.

But neither is Jacob Bernard-Docker.

Detroit’s bottom pairing is kind of like Silent Hill. Everyone’s lost out there. Every play is scary. Pyramid Head is there. It’s positively nightmarish, and, by all accounts, head coach Todd McLellan doesn’t have a solution.

Rookie Axel Sandin-Pellikka can only do so much on his pairing, especially when he’s out of coverage to make up for Ben Chiarot’s lapses.

This year was supposed to be the year the defense took a major step. As of right now, the only defensemen that look close to competent are Mo Seider (who is playing Norris-caliber defense) and Simon Edvinsson (who has looked, at his worst, slightly above average).

The elephant in the room

I want you to take a look at John Gibson’s goals against and tell me if you notice anything in particular:

There’s a glove side-sized elephant in the room that’s growing bigger by the minute. While Gibson’s sub-800 save percentage is bad enough, the trend of glove side goals is getting worse by the minute. When it comes to goaltending, your glove side is your bread and butter. You have the most flexibility to make saves and a substantially higher chance to block a shot. If your goaltender can’t stop a glove side save, you’ve got a problem.

To make matters worse, Cam Talbot hasn’t looked much better, sporting a .888 save percentage. What could the Red Wings do if they had a league-average goaltender? They’d certainly stand a better chance of winning, but it’s hard to determine whether or not that would make much of a difference.

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Sebastian Cossa has looked outstanding this season. Last week, he won AHL Player of the Week with a .945 save percentage. Unfortunately, the proverbial light at the end of the tunnel is still a little ways away. As nice as it would be to give Cossa NHL minutes, the Grand Rapids Griffins don’t have much in terms of a backup plan. Michal Postava is still injured. Carter Gylander is in the ECHL. Dustin Tokarski is 800 years old. A contingency plan would need to be in place if Cossa makes his way up.

If he does - and if he succeeds - who would be the odd man out? In terms of pure dollar value, Talbot seems like the likelier candidate. After all, Gibson just signed a two-year contract extension at $6.4M per season. It’d be much harder to move his deal than Talbot’s one-year, $2.5M contract. But would the Wings move on from Talbot? And who would be a likely trade candidate?

What do we do?

The gritty, exciting team we saw in the early leg of the NHL season is gone. In its place, we’ve got the remnants of the late Jeff Blashill/Derek Lalonde era. Inconsistent defense, shaky-at-best offense, and goaltending that takes the day off at random intervals. To say the team needs a drastic shake-up is an understatement. This is, of course, easier said than done.

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Would trading for a new top-four defenseman be a lateral move, or could it be the difference-maker this team needs to make it to the playoffs? This part of the rebuild is the most precarious. Every move from this point on is make-or-break. To trade away (or for) a key player is to risk pushing the window back (or even outright close it). You need to be doubly sure that every move you make is going to put the team in the best place it can to succeed.

Which is why…

Conclusion: Shake it up or shrug it off?

The Wings have tried to play the game of “we’ll get ‘em next time”. They had all the time (and grace) in the world before the Nashville Predators obliterated them a few weeks back. Now, the onus falls on general manager Steve Yzerman to make an assessment about this team. It’s one thing to believe in your core, but to do so little to help them is a fool’s errand.

Yzerman needs to make a major change with this roster. That change could (and should) be for someone big like Quinn Hughes.

Hughes is one of the best defensemen in the NHL. The former University of Michigan product is an outstanding Norris-winning defenseman with two years left on his term at $7.85M a season. In 454 games with the Vancouver Canucks, Hughes has 431 points. To score at a pace that high as a defenseman is nothing short of impressive.

There was a period of time where the Wings could’ve drafted Hughes. Whatever you do, do NOT look up who they drafted instead.

It appears the Canucks are about to enter a long, arduous rebuild. Whether Hughes wants to spend the rest of his prime on a team in dire straits is anyone’s guess. With that said, multiple NHL insiders have linked Hughes to the Red Wings. Of all the would-be suitors for Hughes, the New Jersey Devils and Red Wings appear to be the most likely candidates.

The asking price will be substantially high, though. We’re talking multiple first round picks and players like Nate Danielson, Michael Brandsegg-Nygard, or even Axel Sandin-Pellikka. If that seems like a tall order, it’s because, in return, the Red Wings would acquire a 26-year-old Norris-winning defenseman in the prime of his career. If I’m Steve Yzerman, I’m sending the best offer I possibly can in order to whet the Canucks’ appetite.

There’s a chance, in some nightmarish scenario, where Hughes plays out the rest of his term with Vancouver or Detroit and sings in New Jersey to play with his brothers. Having said that, there’s a chance the other two Hughes brothers join Quinn in Detroit.

Imagine a Red Wings roster with Jack, Luke, and Hughes on it. The sky’s the limit for a team of that caliber.

Full disclosure: this is actually the first set of hockey cards I’ve ever owned, save for the Tim Horton’s cards they gave away a few years ago (I’m pretty sure I’ve got a Filip Zadina one somewhere in my desk…) so this was a really cool experience overall!

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Anyone have any good recommendations on storing cards?

I can’t believe the first card I pulled

Centennial set details

Our friends at Upper Deck have compiled two Centennial Sets to commemorate Detroit’s century of dominance. The first set, a 100-card retail set, features everyone from Nick Lidstrom to Dan Cleary. (Here’s a list of the potential cards you could wind up with!)

The second set’s the one that really caught my attention, though. This one is a hobbyist’s set that comes in a beautiful steel tin. The hobbyist’s set releases in December and comes packed with over 135 cards.

Each set is guaranteed at least two autographed cards as well as a series of special cards chock with references (my personal favorite being the Everybody in the 313 series). Some of the cards contain fabric from jerseys, pieces of plastic from the old Joe Louis seats, and even wood from iconic players’ sticks!

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Do you guys like video content? Would you like to see more of it? Back in the heyday of the 313 Hockey podcast, we used to do video interviews with people like Daniella Bruce and Darren McCarty. Let me know in the comments if it’s time to dust off the old camera and mic!

Every time I think I understand this team, I’m quickly humbled.

The Red Wings looked legit the first week of the season. They were aggressive, creative, and ready to wage war no matter the score. Now that we’re a quarter of a way through the season, I’m not exactly sure what to think. There are nights where the Wings look like the best team in the league and there are nights where they look like they couldn’t stop an AHL team.

Which version of the Wings is legit? Are we on Fraud Watch?

I decided to investigate:

The offense is going streaking

There was a time about a decade ago where Tomas Tatar and Gustav Nyquist were two of the most exciting players in Hockeytown. They’d go on these crazy scoring tears for 2-3 weeks at a time before disappearing in bunches. That sort of wishy washy scoring is a microcosm of the 2025-26 Wings thus far. During the first four games of the season, the team scored 11 goals. In their last four, they scored just four goals.

Part of this can be chalked up to bad luck. After all, the team has the second-worst PDO percentage in the league. (For the non-nerd types, this means their shot and save percentages are unnaturally low, so positive regression is inevitable). But another part has to do with confidence. The Wings get jumpy and anxious when they’re down a goal. Take a look at this sequence where Kane almost scores a goal:

It isn’t just that Jonathan Quick robbed Patrick Kane of a goal. Every second of play that follows is agonizing. Kane fires a wide pass to DeBrincat. DeBrincat sends one to Chiarot (who nearly loses it). Sandin-Pellikka sends it back to Kane, who fires it directly into Quick’s pads. It’s one sequence, sure, but it represents an anxiety that’s quickly become prevalent among the Wings in the offensive zone.

Last season, head coach Todd McLellan said the biggest thing holding the team back was their inability to “play f---ing hockey”. There have been several instances throughout the season where even that appears difficult for the team. The lack of goal-scoring is leading to the lack in confidence, which, in turn, affects the team’s lack of goal-scoring. It’s a self-fulfilling prophecy.

Depth spells doom

The top-six, despite Marco Kasper’s cold streak and Alex DeBrincat’s goal drought, looks to be in a good place once luck returns to their side. When you take a closer look at the bottom-six, however, questions begin to arise. Michael Rasmussen has just three points in 14 games and some of the worst advanced analytics in the league:

But the buck doesn’t stop with Rasmussen. J.T. Compher and Jonatan Berggren leave a lot to be desired analytically as well. Part of is due in part to the constant line shuffling. The Compher-Copp experiment has proven to be detrimental for both parties. Compher takes a hit offensively, while Copp is forced to punch above his weight defensively.

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The two bright spots among the bottom-six, however, are the newcomers. Mason Appleton has been a steady contributor on both ends of the ice, while James van Riemsdyk is among the 90th percentile of offensive contributors in the NHL. While JVR has just two points so far, it’s important to note that he plays anywhere from nine to 14 minutes a night on the team’s bottom line. To expect a 36-year-old who scored just 36 points last season to be a top contributor is asking a lot.

Sidebar: An interesting tidbit

The Wings called up Nate Danielson before Sunday’s humiliation ritual against the Chicago Blackhawks. When asked about it, McLellan had this to say:

“We wanted to see him now, so we could make some decisions perhaps on some other players.” - Todd McLellan, Red Wings press conference

Who (and what) he is referring to is anyone’s guess. But, if we’re meant to take what McLellan says as gospel, it sounds to me like there’s an odd man out. Danielson was deployed as the team’s third-line center with Kasper moving to the 3LW and Compher to the 2C. This, to me, feels like an audition as a bottom-six center. If I had to guess, I’d say Danielson might be auditioning for Rasmussen’s job.

We’ll see if Steve Yzerman makes any moves, though.

Why are you even here

First and foremost, I owe all my Senators friends an apology: you were right. Travis Hamonic is a mess. Fun fact: The Red Wings are 1-4-0 in their last five outings with him in the lineup. This has come at the detriment of Jacob Bernard-Docker, who the team has repeatedly scratched in favor of Hamonic. Last season, Hamonic was in the third percentile of defensive ability. That means 97% of all skaters that took to the ice were better defensively than Hamonic.

I’ll repeat that: McLellan trusts a guy who was beaten out by 97% of the NHL’s skaters over JBD.

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Why this is the case is anyone’s guess. Based on the 313 Hockey Eye Test (3HET), JBD has looked substantially better than Hamonic. Even if McLellan doesn’t trust JBD, it isn’t like Hamonic would be a substantial upgrade. At that point, call up Erik Gustafsson. He’s shown he’s relatively decent at defense. Even if he’s a low-event, low-scoring defenseman, wouldn’t you prefer that over the physical defender who is constantly caught out of position?

I don’t get it. I really don’t.

At least the centennial stuff is cool

If there’s one thing we can universally agree upon, though, it’s that the centennial jerseys are brilliant. While, yes, they’ve only won one game wearing them, the striking contrast of red and off-white with the leather gloves stands out every game. Every game on the Hockeytown Eras Tour has featured clips of dynasties of Detroit’s past, from the Production Line to the Russian Five.

Our friends at Upper Deck have compiled two Centennial Sets to commemorate Detroit’s century of dominance. The first set, a 100-card retail set, features everyone from Nick Lidstrom to Dan Cleary. (Here’s a list of the potential cards you could wind up with!)

The second set’s the one that really caught my attention, though. This one is a hobbyist’s set that comes in a beautiful steel tin:

The hobbyist’s set releases in December and comes packed with over 135 cards. Each set is guaranteed at least two autographed cards as well as a series of special cards chock with references (my personal favorite being the Everybody in the 313 series). Some of the cards contain fabric from jerseys, pieces of plastic from the old Joe Louis seats, and even wood from iconic players’ sticks!

I’ll be posting videos soon unpacking the boxes, but here’s a sneak preview of what some of the cards look like!

Conclusion: It’s still early, but…

While, yes, we’re only a fifth of the way through the season, there are some major questions that need to be answered before we can truly get a grip on this team’s identity. Who knows? This recent skid could be just a blip on the map rather than a sign of something more concerning. The optimist in me believes this season is Different. The cynic in me expects the rookies to inevitably get sent down to Grand Rapids so we can experience Justin Holl once again.

What do you think about the team so far?

I get it. The hockey season for writers can be rough. Most major websites have a minimum quota you have to reach before you’re paid. Some sites pay you per thousand clicks, while others require you to write a certain amount of articles a week.

But this is ridiculous.

This morning, I came across a trade pitch article so bad, so mind-bogglingly infuriating that I just had to write about it. You might want to sit down for this one because it’s a doozy:

Red Wings Acquire:

• Adam Henrique ($3 million)

Oilers Acquire:

• Sebastian Cossa ($863,334)

I actually know the writer, which is why I won’t be tagging the article (please do not give him a hard time personally if you do find it). But this is ridiculous.

First: WHO?

For anyone unfamiliar, Adam Henrique is a 35-year-old forward who plays for the Edmonton Oilers. In 81 games last season, he had 12 goals and 15 assists for 27 points. He currently plays on the Oilers’ fourth line. Yes, you read that correctly: this writer believes a top goaltending prospect has the same value as a 35-year-old fourth line center.

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But it gets worse. Like a rotted onion, when you peel back one foul layer, another, slimier layer lies beneath.

“The Red Wings haven’t always been the best team when it comes to faceoffs. In the 2024-25 season, they ranked 22nd among all 32 teams with a 49 faceoff percentage. While faceoff percentage is not indicative of a team’s quality, it doesn’t hurt to have more than once ace in the dot.”

Currently, Dylan Larkin leads the team with a 59.6 faceoff win percentage. Michael Rasmussen has a 59.1% success rate. Adam Henrique is doing great at faceoff this season, don’t get me wrong, but is winning faceoffs that important?

I decided to investigate.

Are faceoffs really that important?

One of the single most important metrics in winning a game of hockey is possession. It might sound simple, but the more you have the puck, the more likely you are to score. Faceoffs play a part in establishing possession early and often. But are they truly the key difference-makers in possession? Well, according to a study done by the Sloan Sports Conference, kinda.

The study analyzed faceoffs in the offensive, defensive, and neutral zones across the 2022-23 NHL season. The researchers came to the conclusion that not all faceoff wins are created equal and that correlation does not equal causation. A team succeeding at faceoff wins often has more possession of the puck, but the results require incremental faceoff wins to ensure they make a difference across the entire game.

In short: faceoff wins are really good when you win a lot of faceoffs, but are meaningless if you can’t capitalize on them.

Back to Henrique for a moment: the 35-year-old ended last season with just 27 points. That’s fewer than J.T. Compher, Detroit’s current third-line center. Here’s a closer look at his analytical performance last season:

While, yes, Henrique is very good at faceoffs, he is, for lack of a better term, an offensive black hole. The Wings already have a defensive center in Andrew Copp. They’ve got a faceoff guy in Michael Rasmussen. How is Henrique an upgrade at any level?

It just doesn’t make sense.

Second: In what world?

Speaking of things that don’t make sense, in what world are the Red Wings trading Cossa? Goaltenders, unlike forwards and defensemen, take a little longer to develop. Jordan Binnington of the St. Louis Blues became a full-time starter at the age of 24. Vezina-winning netminder Igor Shesterkin took up the mantle for the Rangers when he was 24 as well. Remember Dominik Hasek? Yes, that Dominik Hasek? He didn’t make his NHL debut until he was 26 and didn’t break out until he was 28.

Cossa, for reference, is 22 years old.

To assume Cossa isn’t developing according to plan is either a gross misunderstanding or deliberately bad framing. The author references an interview with Cam Robinson of Elite Prospects, where Robinson said the following:

“If Edmonton does want to get themselves someone who can tag as ‘here’s our goalie of the future,’ he’d be a great bet to go on. The fact that they have Augustine there in the system allows him to (potentially) be an expendable chip.”

If Detroit does want to get themselves someone who can tag as “here’s our forward of the future”, Connor McDavid would be a great bet to go on.

See how silly that sounds? Obviously, I’m not comparing Cossa to McDavid here. But of course an NHL franchise wants a good, young goaltending prospect. If you asked all 32 NHL general managers if they wanted a promising goaltending prospect, none of them would say no.

Finally: How?

Could the Oilers be using these media figures as mouthpieces for a trade proposal? Possibly. Do the Oilers have what it takes to score a guy like Cossa? Probably not.

The only players that match Detroit’s current trajectory are Matthew Savoie and Isaac Howard. Savoie, 21, has just a single point in seven games for the Oilers this season. Howard, on the other hand, just forced the Tampa Bay Lightning to trade his rights to Edmonton. The likelihood of either of these players fitting the bill for Cossa seems unrealistic.

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Draft picks are, of course, an option, but Steve Yzerman appears to be past the point of stockpiling picks. While, yes, they could be used down the line for future trades, a late first round pick from Edmonton wouldn’t be as appealing as, say, a 22-year-old goaltending prospect. In the unlikely event the Red Wings do decide to move on from Cossa, it will be for a much higher price than Edmonton can command.

Having said that, if, by some miracle, the Oilers managed to pull off a trade, it certainly wouldn’t involve their 35-year-old faceoff specialist.

C’mon man, let’s be realistic here.

But could this year be different?

We are three games into the season, so making any long-term assumptions is a losing game at best. After all, the Tampa Bay Lightning currently sit 27th in league standings. Still, despite the small sample size, there’s a lot to be excited (and concerned) about early on.

Let’s talk about it!

The youth movement is here to stay

This year was the first time in nearly a decade that the Red Wings allowed three rookies to make the roster on opening night. Emmitt Finnie, Michael Brandsegg-Nygard, and Axel Sandin-Pellikka have taken their auditions and ran with it.

Finnie, a former seventh-round pick, plays on the top line with Lucas Raymond and Dylan Larkin. With two points in three games, the flashy forward has shown some serious aggression on the forecheck. It’s not every day a guy forces his way onto the top line. It’s even rarer to do so as such a late-round pick. While rookie slumps are inevitable, his current pace is nothing short of exciting.

Michael Brandsegg-Nygard, drafted in the first round two seasons ago, plays like a veteran. He leads the Red Wings in hits with nine in three games and consistently drives the play on the third line. He hasn’t shown up on the score sheet just yet, but it seems like a goal is almost inevitable over the next few games.

Ask yourself: when was the last time you were genuinely excited to watch the third line hit the ice for the Wings? You can thank MBN for that one.

Let’s talk about Sandin-Pellikka

Up until Sunday’s showing against the Toronto Maple Leafs, the Simon Edvinsson-Axel Sandin-Pellikka pairing was among the best defensive pairings in the NHL. On Sunday, however, ASP had a less-than-stellar game. The Leafs frequently beat him on the forecheck and his turnovers resulted in at least one goal by Toronto.

Having said that, it’s very important to note that he’s a rookie defenseman. ASP is under greater pressure than any of the other rookies on the roster. He has to play longer shifts with greater disparity of talent on the other end of the ice all while remaining responsibly aggressive. To say he’s shouldering a massive burden is an understatement.

Anyone that’s watched ASP play for more than a few games can attest that the Swede improves every period. That’s what makes him such a particularly special player; he’s able to adjust under any circumstance. Realistically, we’ll see a few more of these games from ASP. But their frequency will almost certainly decrease as the season continues.

The Red Wings have a special player on their hands with Sandin-Pellikka.

The vets leave a lot to be desired

On the other side of the coin, we’re seeing more of the same from the veterans. It’s become so obvious, in fact, that even head coach Todd McLellan had to speak his mind.

“The players will say, ‘they probably have already said to you, ‘We can fix this.’ …When? It’s time. Some of them have been doing it for years. It’s time.”

This was, of course, after the embarrassment of a home opener when the Montreal Canadiens demolished the Wings 5-1. On its own, it might come across as a passionate moment from a frustrated coach, but it points to a bigger problem the Wings have dealt with for years.

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The biggest problem the Wings have dealt with is a lack of confidence and consistency. Traditionally, younger players are expected to rely on veterans for support when the going gets tough. But, if the vets can’t step up, the younger players have no choice but to take the reins. (More on this later.)

The 6’6” elephant in the room

Let me ask you a question: can you name for me one time where Michael Rasmussen did something genuinely impressive last season? The time he hit Jack Hughes was pretty cool, but, other than that, I can’t think of a time he’s been a key difference-maker in an important game. While, again, we’re working with a very small sample size here, the former first-round pick has yet to establish himself as anything more than a solid fourth liner.

Worse yet, he’s just signed a three-year deal with the Red Wings. Is there some sort of clause in Steve Yzerman’s contract where he has to have at least 1-3 mediocre players in the lineup at all times? Maybe Ras can prove me wrong (and I certainly hope he will). But, from what we’ve seen so far, he is what he is: a big, tall player that can’t hit, can’t score particularly well, and can’t play very good defense.

Eventually, something’s gotta give.

The Wings need a dog

One thing that’s remained remarkably consistent in the last few Stanley Cup winners is an attack dog-type player. The Florida Panthers have Sam Bennett (and Brad Marchand, to an extent). The Colorado Avalanche had Gabriel Landeskog. Before that, the Lightning employed Pat Maroon. Who do the Wings have? Who can step up to the plate when a mediocre player, say, cross-checks Lucas Raymond in the back?

The closest thing we have right now is Simon Edvinsson. Here’s a clip of him waving bye bye to Matthew Knies after depositing an empty net goal.

Ed’s a terrific player, but the attack dog will, more often than not, spend a little bit of time in the penalty box as a result. With an already porous defensive core, can the Wings truly count on the penalty kill sans Edvinsson? They need to find their solution elsewhere, lest they risk a few untimely power play goals.

Fortunately, the answer to their problems is waiting in the wings: Carter Mazur, who just scored a hat trick in his season debut for the Griffins, is a bona fide dog. He’s got the snarl they need with a nice scoring touch to boot. But will Yzerman really let four rookies make the roster this season? It remains to be seen. Still, if it’s sandpaper grit they’re after, Mazur’s the most pragmatic solution to the problem.

Conclusion: It’s do or die

We’ve reached an impasse in Hockeytown. The vets aren’t playing up to standards, but the youth hasn’t shown they’re ready to take the reins. This, in my casual estimation, is the year that the younger players finally take the burden that’s so often held by the vets.

Many of the younger players like Moritz Seider have been forced into sink or swim territory and have thrived from it. Now that they’ve established themselves, it’s up to them to help the next wave of rookie talent get acclimated to NHL speed. The team cannot rely on veteran leadership like Ben Chiarot or J.T. Compher anymore.

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There’s a reason Seider and Lucas Raymond have the “A” on their jerseys. They’re the leadership now. It’s up to them to show they’ve earned it. Like their rookie campaigns, it’s sink or swim from here on out. That means taking accountability when losses happen and celebrating when the wins come. The destiny of the Detroit Red Wings rests in the hands of team leadership.

Maybe this time, Charlie Brown will finally get to kick the football.

Or maybe I’m the fool again.

Only one way to find out, I guess.

If I had a dollar for every Mason McTavish mock trade or Marco Rossi think piece out there, I am convinced I could pay off the U.S. national debt three times over. Don’t get me started on the Mitch Marner discourse, either. The hockey world - and the Red Wings as a whole - are stuck in a time loop and Mason McTavish is at its center.

On a lighter note, we’re just a few weeks away from Experiencing Red Wings Hockey Again. That’s good, right? (Please let it be good). There have been a lot (and I do mean a lot) of articles and takes on what the Wings need the most this season. Most of them involve loading a cannon with Justin Holl and launching him into the stratosphere.

I think it’s a lot more complicated than that.

The biggest thing holding the Red Wings back

In an interview with RG, Red Wings legend Pavel Datsyuk discussed his career, modern hockey, and, most importantly, the modern Wings. “The Red Wings were at the top for a long time, winning many titles, so it’s understandable that their rebuild is taking more time than usual. They say a rebuild takes about seven years, but since Detroit was so high up, the road back to the top takes even longer.”

Nobody expected the rebuild to go quickly (well, except for a very loud subset of fans). But that’s not what’s holding the team back, either.

“As a team, they probably just lack confidence.” - Pavel Datsyuk RG.org

Talent and chemistry can get you far in this league. But what separates the good teams from the great teams is confidence. If you can go out on the ice and know you’ve got what it takes to win, your chances of victory increase substantially.

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Think about the last few seasons: whenever the Wings were down by a few goals, the whole team deflated. It was like a totally different roster took to the ice. A confident team would use that adversity to fight back. Last year’s Wings roster was about as nervous as I get on dates. They were inconsistent, jumpy, and rarely bounced back when the going got tough.

How to get confident

This is the big question, isn’t it? Confidence is relatively amorphous. You can’t measure it with advanced stats or a WAR chart. Truthfully, it starts within the locker room and continues through the little things. How do you respond when you’re down a score? What do you do if your top forward is stuck in a cold streak? This season’s success will depend on how Todd McLellan motivates his roster.

At times, they looked like a brand new team. After all, the Wings went on two multi-game winning streaks under McLellan last season. The biggest problems came during the late season grind. March was one of the worst months on record for Detroit. Believe it or not, losing Andrew Copp hurt worse than many of us expected.

Fortunately, the Wings have a chance to start fresh. They’ve got a full year of McLellan behind the bench. Copp is back to full health. While the Wings didn’t make any substantial upgrades to the roster, general manager Steve Yzerman suggested roster spots are up for grabs for rookies.

Confidence can come from outside

The Wings have a trend of adding two rookies per season. Last year, Marco Kasper and Albert Johansson made the roster. The year before, it was Simon Edvinsson and Elmer Soderblom. This time around, it’s anyone’s game. Carter Mazur looked ready in his shift and a half last year. Emmitt Finnie, Detroit’s 2023 7th round pick, has been on a tear through training camp so far. We’ll have a much clearer picture after a few preseason games, but, for now, things are looking good for the rookies.

Relying solely on your rookies for confidence, however, is a recipe for disaster. Thankfully, the Wings appear to have a contingency plan for this. James van Riemsdyk, a former second overall pick, comes to Detroit with 1,082 games under his belt. He’s played for rebuilders, contenders, and everything in-between. Like fellow draft mate Patrick Kane, he knows what a team needs to stay consistently good. Having his leadership and presence in the locker room should bring some stability to an adversity-prone lineup.

Just play f***ing hockey

When Todd McLellan took over as head coach, the first thing he said is that the team looked mechanical at practice. “Play f***ing hockey,” he shouted from the stands. “You’ve done it your whole lives.” From an outside perspective, this might seem like a fairly obvious statement. But, more often than not, players get in their own heads about systems or strategy. Fundamentals are the bedrock of any good team. Getting back to the basics can make a huge difference.

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A full cycle of training camp with McLellan at the helm should set expectations for this next season. If the roster can buy into his system, they’re more than capable of making a big push this year. After all, they’re just two seasons removed from nearly making the playoffs.

While, yes, a lot of the Atlantic Division has bolstered their roster, talent isn’t everything. Look at the Buffalo Sabres. They’ve drafted within the top ten nine of the last 11 drafts, securing the first overall pick twice in that timeframe. The biggest difference makers in the NHL are chemistry and confidence. We’ve seen flashes of both with Detroit.

Now, it’s time to show it consistently.

On this leg of the 313 Hockey Media Tour, I made my debut on Hockeytown Rundown. These guys have been on a crazy run for the last two seasons, covering everything from division previews to game recaps. Zack Trathen and Carlo Mario make up the gruesome twosome of the Rundown, delivering fun-filled episodes every week.

I love the off-the-cuff coverage that Hockeytown Rundown brings to the table. It’s authentic and organic, never settling for the cheap, easy coverage. (Also, it was so hard to pay attention while recording because I couldn’t stop staring at that awesome HTRD neon sign in Zack’s studio). Watch carefully in the episode as a certain feline friend makes a guest appearance, too!

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Where to watch Hockeytown Rundown

For regular updates, as always, check the Hockeytown Rundown Twitter page. The two titans that run the show, Zack and Carlo, also have their own accounts where they share their own hot takes on the team/Detroit sports in general. They’ve got short-form content on TikTok, long-form content on YouTube, and just about everything in-between on all their other outlets.

You can also find Hockeytown Rundown at the following outlets:

• Spotify

• Apple Podcasts

• YouTube

• TikTok

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