Detroit Red Wings: Year of The Downfall?

(Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

With the departure of Marian Hossa and Jiri Hudler and a handful of others, the Detroit Red Wings may be headed for a rough season. And with the injury to Franzen this could hurt them even more.

The central division is on the up rise these past few years and the Red Wings have always claimed the top spot. This season could be a passing of the torch for the Wings as they have lost nearly 100 goals and assists from the loss of several key players. Add in the loss of Franzen to his ACL injury and were looking at a total of 122 goals and 124 assists. These numbers are astronomical to lose in just one off season

The Wings have numerous amounts of young talent this year and will have many more years of success. They may not be considered a powerhouse though in the next few seasons. With Lidstrom's retirement looming in the near future who will be there to take over for the perennial Norris trophy winner?

The core group of players in Datsyuk, Zetterberg, and Franzen are sure to be around for many years to come and the team will always be a top eight team in the west and continue their playoff appearance run.

Jonathon Ericsson, Justin Abdelkader, Darren Helm, Ville Leino, and Derek Meech are five outstanding young players some might not know about. Most of these players are on the lower lines but could easily be starting anywhere else in the league. It just goes to show what a strong and well put together franchise does for players.

I hope that I am wrong about saying this might be a down year for the Wings. But it is a possibility and with all those points leaving this franchise you never know what can happen. The young guns on this team will certainly have to step up and show some of the older guys what they can do for this team.

You're currently logged into Facebook

Do you want to share your Bleacher Report activity on Facebook?