Throughout his end-of-year press convention, Detroit Purple Wings normal supervisor Steve Yzerman emphasised the necessity to enhance defensively and add offensive depth.
To deal with these targets, Yzerman re-signed Patrick Kane and Christian Fischer and added six different gamers – two forwards, two defensemen, and two goalies. At this time, we’ll study the roles these gamers will probably fill and what to anticipate when it comes to manufacturing.
Vladimir Tarasenko – RW
Contract: Two years, $4.75 million
Position(s): Vladimir Tarasenko shall be a top-six ahead for the Purple Wings, however will primarily skate on Detroit’s second line alongside J.T. Compher. He’ll additionally man the appropriate flank on the second energy play unit, with Kane holding down that function on PP1. There, Tarasenko would be the major shooter.
Worth/Manufacturing Expectations: Even at age 32, 20 objectives and 50 factors needs to be possible for Tarasenko. That stated, it will likely be attention-grabbing to see how Detroit’s teaching workers pairs the top-six wings. The defensive facet of Tarasenko’s recreation is sort of non-existent, so a extra accountable winger—Lucas Raymond, maybe?—may be wanted to stability him out.
Tyler Motte – LW/C
Contract: One 12 months, $800,000
Position(s): Tyler Motte will function a defensively inclined, bottom-of-the-lineup ahead. He’ll skate on the third or fourth line and be a major penalty killer. As well as, Motte’s means to play middle will give Detroit’s teaching workers some flexibility if considered one of their common facilities misses time.
Worth/Manufacturing Expectations: Motte’s manufacturing probably gained’t differ too tremendously from that of Christian Fischer. He figures to contribute 5 – 6 objectives and 15 complete factors whereas taking part in a depth function. A constructive impression on the penalty kill can be an added bonus.
Associated: Purple Wings’ Projected Depth Chart for 2024-25
Erik Gustafsson – LD/RD
Contract: Two years, $2 million
Position(s): Given the truth that Simon Edvinsson and Jeff Petry carried out nicely collectively down the stretch—sure, you learn that’s appropriate – they’d constructive goals-for and possession numbers—it wouldn’t be shocking to see Erik Gustafsson begin out vying for time on the third pair. He’ll even have the chance to run considered one of Detroit’s energy play items – one thing he’s completed the previous few seasons with New York, Washington, and Chicago.
Worth/Manufacturing Expectations: I’m estimating about 1.3 factors per 60 from Gustafsson throughout roughly 60 video games. His means to run an influence play ought to hold him within the lineup most of the time – although that’s one thing Edvinsson may take over finally.
William Lagesson – LD
Contract: One 12 months, $775,000
Position(s): Given Detroit’s blue line depth, William Lagesson will probably spend many of the 2024-25 season mentoring prospects in Grand Rapids. He’ll primarily change Wyatt Newpower, who was not retained.
Worth/Manufacturing Expectations: It wouldn’t be unreasonable to count on 0.4-0.5 factors per recreation on the AHL degree from Lagesson.
Cam Talbot – G
Contract: Two years, $2.5 million
Position(s): Anticipate Cam Talbot to emerge from coaching camp and the preseason because the 1A to Ville Husso’s 1B.
Worth/Manufacturing Expectations: Anticipate Talbot beginning round 45 video games this 12 months and placing up barely above-average numbers. Finest-case state of affairs, the veteran netminder seizes the beginning function—pushing Husso to a extra conventional backup job—and will get the nod to start out Detroit’s first playoff recreation in practically a decade.
Jack Campbell – G
Contract: One 12 months, $775,000
Position(s): Kind of the identical function as Lagesson – Jack Campbell is anticipated to function a mentor for Sebastian Cossa.
Worth/Manufacturing Expectations: It might be an ideal story to see Campbell thriving within the NHL as soon as once more, however that may additionally imply a number of odd issues occurring to allow such a possibility. As a substitute, count on Campbell to separate time with Cossa and provides the Griffins an excellent goalie tandem.
Associated: Are the Purple Wings a Playoff Crew?
Ultimate Phrase
Whereas the Purple Wings didn’t make any massive splashes this summer time, their additions—plus full seasons from Kane and Edvinsson—internet out as a acquire when in comparison with the 2023-24 gamers who’re not within the group.
Offensively, the Purple Wings are higher. Defensively, the additions don’t transfer the needle a lot. Enchancment there might want to come collectively. That stated, playoffs needs to be in attain for this group.
