Detroit Red Wings: 3 players to watch next season

After a disappointing 73-point season, the Detroit Red Wings are looking to go back into the playoff hunt. Here are three players who can turn their fortunes.

This offseason has been an interesting one for the Detroit Red Wings. They signed three free agent veterans (Jonathan Bernier, Thomas Vanek, Mike Green) but also drafted some promising young prospects (Filip Zadina, Joe Veleno).

According to Red Wings general manager Ken Holland, their goal right now is to “hang in”. He wants to wait for the new wave of youth to integrate themselves into the NHL as they slowly weed out the veterans and their god-awful contracts.

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With Henrik Zetterberg still fighting back problems, Detroit will need to rely on their future to bring them success. Dylan Larkin signed a five-year extension worth $30.5 million, which is a good sign of the youth and talent that will be coming the Red Wings’ way.

The Detroit Red Wings are striving to become relevant again and to make that happen, they will need these three players to step up.

Jonathan Bernier

After bouncing around four different teams in three seasons, Bernier has finally found a permanent home in Motor City. He signed a three-year deal worth $3 million per year and has the potential to turn the Red Wings’ fortunes around.

Ever since Chris Osgood retired, Detroit has been cursed with spotty goaltending. Bernier had a hot second half of the season in which he dragged the Avalanche into the postseason for the first time in three years and his confidence is at its peak. It will be helpful to have a fresh face in the defeated Wings’ locker room and hopefully, a steady presence in net.

AndreasAthanasiou

At 24 years old, Andreas Athanasiou signed a two-year “show me” extension. Since his NHL career started three seasons ago, the number of games played has steadily gone up, along with his production.

He has not yet hit his ceiling and it will be interesting to see how much his game grows as his contract goes on. With the massive youth movement, the Wings’ are going under, players like Athanasiou will be the key to their success.

Dylan Larkin

After signing a massive deal with the Red Wings, it is time to prove his worth. Last season, he led the team in points (63) and assists (47) but as a first line center and now a team leader. He will be expected to continue to build on his previous numbers. Larkin’s undeniable speed and skill make him the future of the Red Wings.

"“I want to be the guy that’s out there whether we’re down by a goal and we need to score with a minute left or we’re up by a goal and taking that huge face-off in your (defensive) zone. So just want to be looked at as that, like Pavel Datsyuk and Henrik Zetterberg have for so long in Detroit.”"

Those are big words coming from a 22-year old’s mouth and it will be important for the Red Wings to see him pull through on his word. With Zetterberg’s future uncertain, he is the new face of the franchise and he must live up to those expectations.