Locker Clean-Out Recap: “The theme going forward is the future”
By Cameron Kuom
6 years agoNo playoffs this season for the Red Wings means locker clean-outs are upon us. Normally, we receive some information on the upcoming off-season, long-term plans, and some quotes to over-analyze. Some updates we got from the interviews that don’t impact the integrity of the team, but still interesting to know include:
- Dylan Larkin, and Frans Nielsen will be playing at the World Championships for their respective countries.
- Jimmy Howard (he and his wife are expecting a baby girl this summer) and Gustav Nyquist will not be playing at worlds.
- Henrik Zetterberg still needs to talk to Team Sweden to make a decision on worlds. He has no surgeries scheduled this off-season. He also expects to return to the team next season.
- Anthony Mantha interested in a bridge contract.
- Nik Kronwall plans to return next season.
- Dan Cleary and one of Ken Holland or Tyler Wright will represent Detroit at the draft lottery.
The most important information came from the press conference with Ken Holland. Hate him or not, he said all the right things in terms of his long-term vision. He wants to get younger and see’s the flaws in the current state of the team.
“Our defense is old” Holland said. His thought process is to bring in young players into the lineup (when they’re ready, but not over-ripe), in which you can see in the video below:
With that, Holland transitioned into announcing the return of Jeff Blashill for his fourth season as head coach (entering the final year of his contract). “I’m big on experience. It’s three years of experience.” Holland said, in what contributed to bring back the bench boss.
Interesting of note, Holland recognizes the most important part of the team’s future: Dylan Larkin. “I’m a big Dylan Larkin fan. He’s everything.” He is everything, and surrounding him with talent is a must. However that is not the case at the moment, and Holland understands the error of his old ways and the frustration it’s created with the fans.
“I feel their pain,” he admitted.
It’s up to Kenny and co. to reshape the organization into a contender again. He is saying the right things, but now it needs to be executed.
“It’s up to me and my people to prove our plan is a good one,” Holland said.
All quotes courtesy of WXYZ Detroit Brad Galli
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