Analyzing the Detroit Red Wings' Organizational Depth – Hockey Writers –

Before any offseason decisions, it's imperative that Steve Yzerman and the Detroit Red Wings take a moment to assess the organization's depth. This analysis will identify both strengths and weaknesses from a position/role perspective.

We know the Red Wings need to improve the team's defense. They also need to increase their chances of being more dangerous offensively, while replacing the players on the move.

How can they achieve these goals? Are there internal options ready to take on bigger roles? Can free agents solve the existing problems? Or is a trade-off necessary? And in the event of a trade, what surplus would Detroit face?

To answer these questions, let's delve deep into Detroit — first at the professional level, then focusing on a group of players and prospects 22 and under.

More Red Wings Offseason analysis:

Current Red Wings Depth Chart

First, we will include players from North American professional teams – Detroit's depth. The chart below ranks players based on a comprehensive view of their skills heading into the 2024-25 season. Also note that wingers and defenders are sorted by hand – left shot and right shot.

Up front, the Red Wings have good depth down the middle with Dylan Larkin, JT Compher, Andrew Copp, and Joe Veleno in the middle. And they have more NHL-ready players than those four should Copp or Veleno switch to the wing.

On the topic of wing players, something is missing. Patrick Kane, David Perron, Daniel Sprong, and Christian Fischer are all unrestricted free agents, though others could return – namely Perron and Fischer. Entering the 2024-25 season with a duo of Robby Fabbri, Michael Rasmussen, and/or Jonathan Berggren in the top six would be a risky proposition. Perron, if he returns, in the top six would be an overslot, too. In short, the Red Wings have talented young bottom-six players, as well as two top-six wings in Lucas Raymond and Alex DeBrincat.

It is also worth noting that the Red Wings will again use the check line next season. Andrew Copp's year-end commentary alluded to that. If/when Copp returns to that role, Rasmussen will likely join him. As for the other forward on the scouting line, Joe Veleno and Elmer Soderblom are inside options. Fischer can be returned, too, if the price is right.

Defensively, there is a lot of depth. There is some misalignment, too:

• Moritz Seider is locked in as the starting right back.
• Simon Edvinsson should be ranked as the second left back and needs a first defense partner for his aggressive style to flourish.
• Jake Walman and Ben Chiarot can play up top, but they are better at the bottom of the lineup.
• Chiarot and Albert Johansson can play both sides.
• Johansson, Jeff Petry, Olli Maatta, and Justin Holl are best suited for the third pair.
• Seider should not be given the job everything difficult assignments; there should be better distribution there.

Based on the notes above, it's fair to say that the Red Wings have a few pieces of the puzzle on defense, however some seem to come from different sets.

Detroit can move past Walman-Seider and Edvinsson-Chiarot as a top four. It's not fair, though – taking it back with the same team doesn't exactly match the goal of improving the team's defense. Quantity does not mean quality.

Related: Detroit Red Wings' 2023-24 Final Grades: Forward | Self defense

The same can be said for Detroit's goals. There is a risk going forward with Ville Husso and Alex Lyon as a tandem. The free agent market is thin, however, and trading a bonafide starter doesn't make a lot of sense for Sebastian Cossa to be close to NHL readiness.

Red Wings' Prospect Pipeline Depth

The following are Detroit players 22 and under and prospects. Please notice what I said players and prospects – not just hopes. Those 22 years of age or younger are likely to climb their entire career path, regardless of whether they play in a minor or professional league.

Note: Moritz Seider (RD), Jonathan Berggren (LW), Albert Johansson (LD), and Antti Tuomisto (RD) are now 23 years old and outside the age range of this group.

The Red Wings have a deep and very balanced prospect line. Looking at the forward group, there is plenty of depth at center with Marco Kasper and Nate Danielson leading the way. And, of course, Lucas Raymond is the cornerstone of the franchise on the wing. But beyond these three, more firepower is needed.

On defense, there is volume and talent. Looking at the three blueliners mentioned above, it's clear that both sides have a similar distribution of talent:

• Stage 1: Moritz Seider (RD), Simon Edvinsson (LD), Axel Sandin Pellikka (RD)
• Section 2: Albert Johansson (LD), William Wallinder (LD), Shai Buium (LD), Andrew Gibson (RD), Antti Tuomisto (RD)
• Division 3: Brady Cleveland (LD), Eemil Viro (LD), Anton Johansson (RD)

Looking a few years down the road, the Red Wings will have an impressive blue line. The same can be said for their goaltenders – Sebastian Cossa and Trey Augustine are among the top 10 most watched players in the entire league.

It's worth pointing out that the Red Wings have plenty of Tier 2 defensemen and Tier 3 forwards. After years of rebuilding, the cabinet is full. And at this point, it's not a stretch to suggest that Detroit could use some of that depth to bolster an NHL roster. A prospective trade or two won't cut the pipeline – especially if those in question won't be part of the top two lines or pairings in the future.

The Last Word

Yzerman said he wants to improve the team in all areas. The depth charts above show what you are working with.

It's not unreasonable to say that this could be the most important moment of Yzerman's season as the general manager of the Red Wings. There is talent on the NHL roster and a growing prospect pipeline. There are a lot of issues to navigate with – salary cap restrictions, an ill-defined green line, and improving both offensive and defensive results.

The reconstruction is complete. Now is the time to strengthen and strengthen the organization.