Detroit Red Wings Lead the Atlantic: Youth Movement and Veteran Contributions
- Chad Marriott
- Nov 19
- 3 min read
The Detroit Red Wings lead the Atlantic Division after a 4-2 victory over the Seattle Kraken, improving to 12-7-1, their best start since 2012. What's the biggest change this season? Yes, Todd McLellan's influence cannot be overlooked, but more importantly, he has a young core developing that he can shape rather than remold. The Red Wings trio of rookies from the 2023 draft class (Axel Sandin-Pellikka, Emmitt Finnie, and Nate Danielson) combined for four points last night.
Recently, Off the Field & Screen examined the Detroit Red Wings' floor and ceiling, predicting sustainable success. Dylan Larkin, Lucas Raymond, Alex DeBrincat, and Moritz Seider give them a decent floor as a fringe playoff team, but the ceiling's height will be determined by the younger, less experienced players developing.
Detroit Red Wings Youth Movement
The Yzerplan became a bit of a pejorative in recent years. Its biggest critics framed it as a magical plan that would never happen. At times, it felt like it wouldn't. Now, the Red Wings have eight important players in the lineup most nights who are 25 or under (ASP, Finnie, Danielson, Raymond, Seider, Marco Kasper, Albert Johansson, and Simon Edvinsson).
This approach has growing pains, no doubt. Finnie had a four-game stretch in October when he scored six of his nine points. He followed that up with ten scoreless games before finding the net last night. Last Thursday, ASP found himself on the bench for most of the third period, as the Red Wings defeated the Anaheim Ducks 6-3, due to some defensive struggles.
Michael Brandsegg-Nygård made the team out of camp and, partially for contractual reasons, was sent down to play with the Grand Rapids Griffins. Even Edvinsson has had moments where he finds himself out of place. Kasper, after a stellar finish to his rookie season, has found himself moved down to the third line.
If this emphasis on youth costs the Red Wings some games, so be it. The Red Wings will benefit from it in the long term and even later this season. Additionally, Raymond and Seider's growth as leaders cannot go unnoticed. Seider's contributions are difficult to put into a box score, but the Red Wings would be lost without him. Raymond has 10 points in his last five games. Larkin is the captain, but the alternate captains' growth into leadership represents the Yzerplan coming to fruition.
Detroit Red Wings Veteran Contributions
Patrick Kane hasn't been on a scoring tear since his return to the lineup (four points in six games), but his presence on the power play has helped return its efficiency. Larkin and DeBrincat have been a force on the top line, combining for 14 points in the last five games, including nine goals. Mason Appleton has turned out to be an excellent addition, giving the Red Wings that bottom-six grinder they've been looking for over the last few seasons (Christian Fischer, Austin Watson, Tyler Motte). J.T. Compher has been much better this season, earning himself an elevation to the second line with Kane and Finnie/Kasper.
However, the Red Wings still have some things to figure out here. Where will the depth scoring come from? Andrew Copp, James van Riemsdyk, and Michael Rasmussen have not made consistent contributions (15 points combined). Elmer Söderblom and Jonatan Berggren have shuffled in and out of the lineup.
Defensively, Ben Chiarot has played well, now partnered with ASP. Travis Hamonic has also been relied upon, and he's generally provided some consistency to the third pair. The defensemen group is not necessarily a strength, but it is vastly improved in performance over last season's group, barring a few stretches of undeniably frustrating, mistake-filled hockey.
Detroit Red Wings Lead the Atlantic
Ultimately, this is growth. The Red Wings are seeing significant contributions from the young players, consistently strong performances from the key veterans, and improved play from the defensemen. The depth scoring remains an issue, but one that may be solved by Danielson, Kasper, and Finnie. As long as Compher, Copp, and Appleton remain strong in their checking, the Red Wings maintain some value from them.
McLellan was smart to spread them throughout the lines, but there will come a time this season when the Red Wings need some of the depth pieces to step up as well. Perhaps that will come from Grand Rapids or perhaps from a trade. For now, the Yzerplan is getting it done.
(All stats provided by Hockey Reference and Stat Muse)
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