3 From 30: Detroit Red Wings’ Rising Stars
The Detroit Red Wings are a great team, and they prove it every year when they make it into the playoffs. Being able to drive 30 minutes to Joe Louis Arena like I am is a great honor. Watching them play is like magic, and they always produce something, even if it’s a loss. They have a pretty good team, including the younger players they have. These are my three picks for the big stars in the big D next season.
May 24, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Ottawa Senators right wing Daniel Alfredsson (11) takes the ice before game five of the second round of the 2013 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Pittsburgh Penguins at the CONSOL Energy Center. The Pittsburgh Penguins won 6-2 to close out the series. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Daniel Alfredsson was one of the biggest moves this offseason. Just when no one thought Ken Hollandwas going to do anything about picking players up, he signed a big name player such as Alfredsson. Although Alfie was God in Ottawa, he will still bring that power to Detroit. Last season, he notched 26 points in 47 games, then added a point per game in his 10-game playoff run. He owned a great deal of assists, and can be a big backbone player for this Detroit squad next season. I can see him knocking in 40 points, with about 25 or 30 assists this season.
March 17, 2012; San Jose CA, USA; Detroit Red Wings center Darren Helm (43) shoots the puck against San Jose Sharks defenseman Justin Braun (61) during the second period at HP Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Hopefully Darren Helm is ready to play, because all of Detroit’s fans are waiting. We’ve been patiently waiting for his return, and he is one hell of a forward. His speed is ridiculous, and he can get points. In his 249 game career, he has racked up just 83 points (32G, 51A). This season, especially coming back from injury, could prove to be his best season ever. I can see him tearing up the defense and putting up 30 points this season, which is hard to do for a 3rd/4th line center. I can’t wait to see what he brings to the team this year.
May 29, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Blackhawks center Andrew Shaw (65) lines up for a face off with Detroit Red Wings center Joakim Andersson (63) during the first period in game seven of the second round of the 2013 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Rob Grabowski-USA TODAY Sports
Joakim Andersson was one of the fresher players last season. He really stunned the Red Wings fans when we saw him going hard to the puck and playing a little physical. He wasn’t really a scorer, but more of a body on the ice. He recorded just 8 points in 38 regular season games, and then scored 5 points in his 14 playoff games. With this new contract he signed, he will have a little more pep in his skate, and can produce 20 points this season. I have a lot of faith in their younger players, especially Mr. Andersson.
If these players can get it right, along with newly acquired Stephen Weiss, this Detroit team can most likely take the Stanley Cup this year. These guys are the ones to step up and help push this team into the promise land. Who do you think will improve beyond expectation next season for Detroit? Tweet us @TMMotS and me personally @NardoneDylan.