Fansided

NHL Power Rankings: Ducks soar, Maple Leafs in free fall

By Derek Grochowski

NASHVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 30: The shot of Nashville Predators left wing Filip Forsberg (9) deflects off the mask of Tampa Bay Lightning goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy (88) during the NHL preseason game between the Nashville Predators and the Tampa Bay Lightning, held on September 30, 2017, at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Danny Murphy/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 30: The shot of Nashville Predators left wing Filip Forsberg (9) deflects off the mask of Tampa Bay Lightning goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy (88) during the NHL preseason game between the Nashville Predators and the Tampa Bay Lightning, held on September 30, 2017, at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Danny Murphy/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
9 of 31
Next
COLUMBUS, OH – MARCH 9: Niklas Kronwall
COLUMBUS, OH – MARCH 9: Niklas Kronwall /

23. Detroit Red Wings

The Detroit Red Wings are a team on the rise. Next season they will be looking to take the next forward to becoming competitive again. Dylan Larkin, Anthony Mantha and Tyler Bertuzzi are the next wave of Detroit Red Wings that will be difference-makers across the league. General manager Ken Holland has locked up a lot of money in veteran players over his time in Detroit. He was able to unload one big contract at the deadline by moving Tomas Tatar for three draft picks. If Holland can keep moving out these contracts for draft capital, the Red Wings will be in great position.

Last week was a tough week for the Wings. They dropped four straight games, losing to Minnesota, Boston, Vegas and Columbus. That part of their schedule was tough, playing four straight playoff teams, but it won’t get any easier. This week they will play the Western Conference’s best, facing off against the San Jose Sharks, Los Angeles Kings and the Anaheim Ducks. As the Red Wings’ season winds down, the organization needs to decide whether or not it wants to keep Holland in control or bring in a new general manager who will give the organization a fresh perspective.

Home/NHL