Another March came and went, and right on cue, another massive late-season collapse by the Detroit Red Wings has kept the organization out of the playoffs for a 10th consecutive year. Ending the season 9-13-4 over the final 26 games, showing a severe lack of depth and scoring depth as well has hampered Detroit. This has been ongoing and needs to be addressed.

When you look at the Red Wings, it is difficult to pick one area they need to tend to first. Scoring is an issue, and it was not good 5v5. The defense and penalty kill (69.6% over a critical 19-game stretch) was brutal (for the most part). Todd McLellan questioned his team’s mental toughness as they were “flat” and “fragile” for crucial games. So how can Steve Yzerman begin to improve the roster?

First, the organization needs to acquire an elite 5v5 scorer, hearing that Auston Matthews might be available this summer.  With the rising salary cap again this summer, teams will need to explore the trade route in order to bring in talent. Teams are simply signing their own UFA’s.

While the defense does have some high-end talent, the defense on the whole was a liability. The penalty kill needs vast improvement. There will be some defensive players available this summer. New Jersey is said to be willing to trade Simon Nemec; others will be out there, and there are also trades.

The Red Wings need to learn to win in high-pressure situations. They gave many games away because of defensive issues, not enough scoring, and goal-tending was inconsistent as well.