The Detroit Red Wings have shown some positive signs in the early part of the season. Their trade for Alex DeBrincat has paid off, with DeBrincat scoring 12 goals in 20 games, putting him on pace for a 49-goal season. Dylan Larkin has also been impressive, teasing his potential as a top-line center with over a point per game. However, there are still some concerns for the team.
The goaltending has been inconsistent, with James Reimer and Alex Lyon playing well but lacking the star power of elite goaltenders. The defense is also a weak spot, with veterans who have not lived up to expectations. While Moritz Seider has been a standout, the rest of the defense has been questionable.
To address these issues, GM Steve Yzerman made a surprising move by signing Patrick Kane. Kane, who has been in decline for a few years, recently returned to the league after undergoing hip-resurfacing surgery. The success rate for players attempting to come back from this surgery is not high, but if Kane can stay healthy and productive for the rest of the season, he could be a valuable addition to the team.
Kane’s numbers have been declining in recent years, and he has struggled to maintain his scoring prowess at even strength. His other metrics, such as expected goals and scoring chances, have also decreased. However, the Red Wings are hoping that Kane can improve their power play, which is already operating at a 22 percent success rate. They also hope that he can reignite the chemistry he had with DeBrincat in Chicago.
Defensively, Kane and DeBrincat are not known for their play in their own end, so it will be important for J.T. Compher to help shore up the middle of the ice. However, Kane’s presence does not solve all of the team’s defensive issues.
Despite the risks, signing Kane is a low-risk move for the Red Wings. He is only signing for one year and at a reasonable price of $2.7 million. While the team would like to make the playoffs this year, they are not expected to be serious contenders, so Kane does not have to carry the team on his own.
GM Steve Yzerman sees an opportunity for the Red Wings to make a push for the playoffs, especially with other teams in their division facing challenges. The Buffalo Sabres are missing their best player, the Ottawa Senators are struggling, the Tampa Bay Lightning are aging, and the Toronto Maple Leafs have been inconsistent. Kane may not solve all of their problems, but he could be a valuable piece in helping the Red Wings return to the playoffs.
In conclusion, the Detroit Red Wings have seen some positive developments this season, but they still have areas of concern. The addition of Patrick Kane brings both excitement and uncertainty, but it is a low-risk move that could pay off for the team. Ultimately, the Red Wings are hoping that Kane can contribute offensively and help them make a push for the playoffs.
