NHL Offseason Recap: Atlantic Division

Detroit Red Wings

Apr 8, 2014; Buffalo, NY, USA; Detroit Red Wings left wing

(21) looks to make a pass against the Buffalo Sabres at First Niagara Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports

IN: None

OUT: David Legwand (Senators), Jordin Tootoo (Buyout)

Re-signed: Kyle Quincey, Jonas Gustavsson, Riley Sheahan, Tomas Tatar, Daniel Cleary

Currently unsigned: Danny Dekeyser (RFA), Daniel Alfredsson (UFA), Mikael Samuelsson (UFA), Todd Bertuzzi (UFA)

Recap:

Five strikes out and you’re out.

That pretty much sums up the Detroit Red Wings’ offseason as general manager Ken Holland swung and missed on the five right-handed defensemen. The five defensemen include Matt Niskanen, Stephane Robidas, Dan Boyle, Anton Stralman, and Christian Ehrhoff. As a result, the Red Wings brought back Kyle Quincey on a two-year, $8.5 million contract. Not a sexy signing, but the Wings were desperate.

But after 23 consecutive playoff appearances, no one should doubt Holland and his ability to get his team to the postseason. Even after losing Pavel Datsyuk and Henrik Zetterberg for long stretches last season, Detroit found itself in the playoffs once again.

Detroit has seen the emergence of plenty of young talent, especially Gustav Nyquist and Tomas Tatar. Tatar recently signed a three-year, $8.25 million deal with the club. Danny DeKeyser should be the next young Red Wing to sign a lengthy extension.

The Red Wings may not have made a huge splash this offseason, but that shouldn’t hurt a team that features the best head coach in the NHL, two superstars, and a supporting cast of talented youngsters.