RED WINGS

Detroit News' final 2018 Red Wings grades

Go through the gallery to view Ted Kulfan's final grades and analysis for the Detroit Red Wings' 2017-18 season.
Go through the gallery to view Ted Kulfan's final grades and analysis for the Detroit Red Wings' 2017-18 season.
Illustration By Larry O'Connor/Photos By David Guralnick/Getty Images
FORWARDS
FORWARDS
Illustration By Larry O'Connor/Photo By David Guralnick
Justin Abdelkader: 75 games, 13 goals, 22 assists. The offense returned, and Abdelkader provided the versatility that’s been a hallmark of his career. Can play up and down the lineup, and provides a physical presence. GRADE: B-minus
Justin Abdelkader: 75 games, 13 goals, 22 assists. The offense returned, and Abdelkader provided the versatility that’s been a hallmark of his career. Can play up and down the lineup, and provides a physical presence. GRADE: B-minus
David Guralnick, Detroit News
Andreas Athanasiou: 71 games, 16 goals, 17 assists. Is Athanasiou a part of the future, or a trade piece? You can’t underestimate the 16 goals, after missing time because of a contract standoff. But there are too many games you simply don’t notice him. GRADE: C-plus
Andreas Athanasiou: 71 games, 16 goals, 17 assists. Is Athanasiou a part of the future, or a trade piece? You can’t underestimate the 16 goals, after missing time because of a contract standoff. But there are too many games you simply don’t notice him. GRADE: C-plus
David Guralnick, Detroit News
David Booth: 28 games, 4 goals, 1 assist. Booth made the team out of a professional tryout in training camp. Didn’t play much, but was a good example for young players with his diligent work in weight room and in practice. GRADE: C
David Booth: 28 games, 4 goals, 1 assist. Booth made the team out of a professional tryout in training camp. Didn’t play much, but was a good example for young players with his diligent work in weight room and in practice. GRADE: C
David Guralnick, Detroit News
Tyler Bertuzzi: 48 games, 7 goals,17 assists. In the final weeks, Bertuzzi showed the type of player he’s likely to be throughout his career, hanging around the net, scoring dirty goals, and being a valuable complementary piece. GRADE: B
Tyler Bertuzzi: 48 games, 7 goals,17 assists. In the final weeks, Bertuzzi showed the type of player he’s likely to be throughout his career, hanging around the net, scoring dirty goals, and being a valuable complementary piece. GRADE: B
David Guralnick, Detroit News
Luke Witkowski: 31 games, 1 goal, 3 assists. Was brought in for his physical presence and versatility — can play forward and defense — and did his job. After his 10-game suspension in mid-November, appeared to be a marked man by some referees. GRADE: C
Luke Witkowski: 31 games, 1 goal, 3 assists. Was brought in for his physical presence and versatility — can play forward and defense — and did his job. After his 10-game suspension in mid-November, appeared to be a marked man by some referees. GRADE: C
David Guralnick, Detroit News
Martin Frk: 68 games, 11 goals, 14 assists. Started off so well, as opponents possibly weren’t totally familiar with his booming shot, but teams adjusted. Frk only had one goal over his last 23 games, and it’s up to him to diversify his game. GRADE: C
Martin Frk: 68 games, 11 goals, 14 assists. Started off so well, as opponents possibly weren’t totally familiar with his booming shot, but teams adjusted. Frk only had one goal over his last 23 games, and it’s up to him to diversify his game. GRADE: C
David Guralnick, Detroit News
Luke Glendening: 69 games, 11 goals, 8 assists. Had the type of season the organization has come to expect, as an impactful penalty killer and defensive forward, with more offense. Important part of lineup, but with a manageable contract Glendening could be a popular trade target. GRADE: B-minus
Luke Glendening: 69 games, 11 goals, 8 assists. Had the type of season the organization has come to expect, as an impactful penalty killer and defensive forward, with more offense. Important part of lineup, but with a manageable contract Glendening could be a popular trade target. GRADE: B-minus
David Guralnick, Detroit News
Darren Helm: 75 games, 13 goals, 18 assists. Largely stayed healthy, which has always been a difficulty, and with that Helm had an underrated season. Provided offense, was an able penalty killer and was effective in his usual checking role. Good veteran presence. GRADE: B
Darren Helm: 75 games, 13 goals, 18 assists. Largely stayed healthy, which has always been a difficulty, and with that Helm had an underrated season. Provided offense, was an able penalty killer and was effective in his usual checking role. Good veteran presence. GRADE: B
David Guralnick, Detroit News
Gustav Nyquist: 82 games, 21 goals, 19 assists. Nyquist had a productive offensive season, and Blashill raved about the competitiveness Nyquist brings to each game. The Wings have a big decision to make going forward, as Nyquist is an unrestricted free agent next summer. GRADE: B
Gustav Nyquist: 82 games, 21 goals, 19 assists. Nyquist had a productive offensive season, and Blashill raved about the competitiveness Nyquist brings to each game. The Wings have a big decision to make going forward, as Nyquist is an unrestricted free agent next summer. GRADE: B
David Guralnick, Detroit News
Dylan Larkin: 82 games, 16 goals, 47 assists. Showed instances where full-fledged stardom may not be far away, particular the last several weeks. Taking on a leadership role, is self-accountable, and wants to face the best players. A definite cornerstone of the organization. GRADE: A-minus
Dylan Larkin: 82 games, 16 goals, 47 assists. Showed instances where full-fledged stardom may not be far away, particular the last several weeks. Taking on a leadership role, is self-accountable, and wants to face the best players. A definite cornerstone of the organization. GRADE: A-minus
David Guralnick, Detroit News
Henrik Zetterberg: 82 games, 11 goals, 45 assists. His durability these past several seasons after back surgery has been remarkable. Zetterberg continues to be an impactful player on and off the ice. The Wings would be significantly weaker if he weren’t around.GRADE: B-plus
Henrik Zetterberg: 82 games, 11 goals, 45 assists. His durability these past several seasons after back surgery has been remarkable. Zetterberg continues to be an impactful player on and off the ice. The Wings would be significantly weaker if he weren’t around.GRADE: B-plus
David Guralnick, Detroit News
Frans Nielsen: 79 games, 16 goals, 17 assists. In his second season with the Wings you got a better understanding of what the organization saw when they signed Nielsen. Not a superstar, but a steady, sturdy, pro’s pro who makes his team better in subtle ways. GRADE: B
Frans Nielsen: 79 games, 16 goals, 17 assists. In his second season with the Wings you got a better understanding of what the organization saw when they signed Nielsen. Not a superstar, but a steady, sturdy, pro’s pro who makes his team better in subtle ways. GRADE: B
David Guralnick, Detroit News
Anthony Mantha: 80 games, 24 goals, 24 assists.: Mantha can be maddening at times with his slumps and occasional lapses on the ice. But few players with his size have the type of hands and offensive instincts he possesses. He’s a big part of the Wings’ future. GRADE: B-plus
Anthony Mantha: 80 games, 24 goals, 24 assists.: Mantha can be maddening at times with his slumps and occasional lapses on the ice. But few players with his size have the type of hands and offensive instincts he possesses. He’s a big part of the Wings’ future. GRADE: B-plus
David Guralnick, Detroit News
Evgeny Svechnikov: 14 games, 2 goals, 2 assists COMMENT: Didn’t get ample ice time in a late-season audition, but Svechnikov did show some of the characteristics that should serve him well. Effective shot, good size, but might need a bit more seasoning. GRADE: Incomplete
Evgeny Svechnikov: 14 games, 2 goals, 2 assists COMMENT: Didn’t get ample ice time in a late-season audition, but Svechnikov did show some of the characteristics that should serve him well. Effective shot, good size, but might need a bit more seasoning. GRADE: Incomplete
David Guralnick, Detroit News
DEFENSEMEN
DEFENSEMEN
Illustration By Larry O'Connor/Photos By David Guralnick
Nick Jensen: 81 games, 0 goals, 15 assists. Held on to a regular spot in the lineup but didn’t necessarily progress after an impressive rookie NHL season. Jensen could be traded to open defensive positions for next season. GRADE: C-minus
Nick Jensen: 81 games, 0 goals, 15 assists. Held on to a regular spot in the lineup but didn’t necessarily progress after an impressive rookie NHL season. Jensen could be traded to open defensive positions for next season. GRADE: C-minus
David Guralnick, Detroit News
Danny DeKeyser: 65 games, 6 goals, 6 assists. An ankle injury stalled DeKeyser’s start, and it took a while to get his timing. Was much better the second half, getting involved offensively and playing some of his best overall hockey in several years. GRADE: B-minus
Danny DeKeyser: 65 games, 6 goals, 6 assists. An ankle injury stalled DeKeyser’s start, and it took a while to get his timing. Was much better the second half, getting involved offensively and playing some of his best overall hockey in several years. GRADE: B-minus
David Guralnick, Detroit News
Mike Green: 66 games, 8 goals, 25 assists. Neck surgery cut short his season, and leads to a murky future. The Wings might be interested if it’s a short-term deal. Otherwise, it makes sense for the organization to promote from Grand Rapids. GRADE: C-plus
Mike Green: 66 games, 8 goals, 25 assists. Neck surgery cut short his season, and leads to a murky future. The Wings might be interested if it’s a short-term deal. Otherwise, it makes sense for the organization to promote from Grand Rapids. GRADE: C-plus
David Guralnick, Detroit News
Jonathan Ericsson: 81 games, 3 goals, 10 assists. Ericsson formed a decent top defensive pairing with Trevor Daley. His size and skating ability are valuable on this defensive unit, but on most teams he isn’t a first-pairing defenseman. GRADE: C-plus
Jonathan Ericsson: 81 games, 3 goals, 10 assists. Ericsson formed a decent top defensive pairing with Trevor Daley. His size and skating ability are valuable on this defensive unit, but on most teams he isn’t a first-pairing defenseman. GRADE: C-plus
David Guralnick, Detroit News
Joe Hicketts: 5 games, 0 goals, 3 assists. In a brief late-season audition Hicketts showed a confidence that could serve him well in the NHL. He compensates for lack of size with an impressive swagger. Can run a power play, but has to be a bit more cautious. GRADE: Incomplete
Joe Hicketts: 5 games, 0 goals, 3 assists. In a brief late-season audition Hicketts showed a confidence that could serve him well in the NHL. He compensates for lack of size with an impressive swagger. Can run a power play, but has to be a bit more cautious. GRADE: Incomplete
David Guralnick, Detroit News
Trevor Daley: 77 games, 9 goals, 7 assists. The Wings’ key free agent acquisition pretty much had the type of season the team expected. Daley provided a stabilizing presence on a blue line that desperately needed it. GRADE: B-minus
Trevor Daley: 77 games, 9 goals, 7 assists. The Wings’ key free agent acquisition pretty much had the type of season the team expected. Daley provided a stabilizing presence on a blue line that desperately needed it. GRADE: B-minus
David Guralnick, Detroit News
Niklas Kronwall: 79 games, 4 goals, 23 assists. The old warhorse keeps going, and will for one more season. Kronwall overcame the knee pain to play some tough minutes but age is rapidly catching up. His leadership can’t be overlooked. GRADE: C
Niklas Kronwall: 79 games, 4 goals, 23 assists. The old warhorse keeps going, and will for one more season. Kronwall overcame the knee pain to play some tough minutes but age is rapidly catching up. His leadership can’t be overlooked. GRADE: C
David Guralnick, Detroit News
Xavier Ouellet: 45 games, 0 goals, 7 assists. At this point it’s probably best for Ouellet to get a fresh start in another organization. Couldn’t gain a regular spot in the lineup and was hesitant when he did play. GRADE: D-plus
Xavier Ouellet: 45 games, 0 goals, 7 assists. At this point it’s probably best for Ouellet to get a fresh start in another organization. Couldn’t gain a regular spot in the lineup and was hesitant when he did play. GRADE: D-plus
David Guralnick, Detroit News
GOALIES
GOALIES
Illustration By Larry O'Connor/Photo By David Guralnick
Jared Coreau: 0-5-1, .867 SVS 4.26 GAA. Was recalled from Grand Rapids after Petr Mrazek was traded and had a dismal, brief showing. Didn’t look comfortable as a back-up. His future in the organization looks hazy, at best. GRADE: Incomplete.
Jared Coreau: 0-5-1, .867 SVS 4.26 GAA. Was recalled from Grand Rapids after Petr Mrazek was traded and had a dismal, brief showing. Didn’t look comfortable as a back-up. His future in the organization looks hazy, at best. GRADE: Incomplete.
David Guralnick, Detroit News
Jimmy Howard: 22-27-9, .910 SVS. 2.85 GAA. Arguably the first-half MVP of this team, and Howard’s play didn’t slip much after that. Has had an admirable resurgence the last two seasons after appearing to be expansion or trade fodder. Could end up finishing his career here. GRADE: B-plus
Jimmy Howard: 22-27-9, .910 SVS. 2.85 GAA. Arguably the first-half MVP of this team, and Howard’s play didn’t slip much after that. Has had an admirable resurgence the last two seasons after appearing to be expansion or trade fodder. Could end up finishing his career here. GRADE: B-plus
David Guralnick, Detroit News
MANAGEMENT
MANAGEMENT
Illustration By Larry O'Connor/Photo By David Guralnick
General manager Ken Holland took another step toward rebuilding this organization by trading goalie Petr Mrazek (to Philadelphia) and forward Tomas Tatar (to Las Vegas) and acquiring draft picks. The Wings have 11 this June, in what could be an important turning point. The roster continued to get younger, with an eye toward the future, during an overall drab season. GRADE: C
General manager Ken Holland took another step toward rebuilding this organization by trading goalie Petr Mrazek (to Philadelphia) and forward Tomas Tatar (to Las Vegas) and acquiring draft picks. The Wings have 11 this June, in what could be an important turning point. The roster continued to get younger, with an eye toward the future, during an overall drab season. GRADE: C
David Guralnick, Detroit News
Coach Jeff Blashill and his assistants arguably got as much as they could out of this roster. A year ago there were concerns about the lack of progress of some younger players. That wasn’t an issue this season, with Larkin, Mantha and Bertuzzi all enjoying fine seasons. This team also played hard in March with nothing much to play for. The special teams, though, continue to be ranked near the bottom of the league. GRADE: B-minus.
Coach Jeff Blashill and his assistants arguably got as much as they could out of this roster. A year ago there were concerns about the lack of progress of some younger players. That wasn’t an issue this season, with Larkin, Mantha and Bertuzzi all enjoying fine seasons. This team also played hard in March with nothing much to play for. The special teams, though, continue to be ranked near the bottom of the league. GRADE: B-minus.
David Guralnick, Detroit News