Detroit Red Wings Need to Move Forward Without Daniel Alfredsson

The Detroit Red Wings opened up the season with a gutsy 2-1 win against the Boston Bruins, and they did it without their leading scorer. That player is Daniel Alfredsson. The sensational Swede scored 49 points for the Wings last season, as did Niklas Kronwall, but “Alfie” did it in 11 fewer games.

Alfredsson isn’t signed to a contract, as his back gave out on him as he attempted to join the Wings for training camp in September, according to Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press. At this point it remains unclear whether or not Alfredsson will return for a 19th season, but no matter what the case is, the Red Wings should just move on without him.

It seems harsh, but in the words of Don Corleone from the critically acclaimed film The Godfather, “It isn’t personal, it’s strictly business.”

While Alfredsson has the potential to be an asset to the team while healthy, at this stage of his career his health is something in constant flux. The offensive winger will turn 42 in December, and although other players like Jaromir Jagr are still playing at an “advanced” age, Alfie just doesn’t have the strength in him to do it anymore.

Health and wellness aside, making room for Alfredsson could cost someone currently on the roster his job, and it eventually would disrupt any chemistry generated.

While Alfredsson would be able to add some secondary offense, what would happen if he gets hurt? The Wings would then have to alter the game plan, replace Alfredsson with the player that was scratched earlier and the team would be back at square one.

Therefore, it just makes sense to make decisions for the team that involve him not being a member of it.

Just think about it: Would it make sense for the Wings to start developing a game plan and abandon it once Alfredsson makes his decision? No, and here's a good example. 

Right now, Tomas Jurco is in Alfredsson's former spot on the second-line right wing, and he's a player with some serious potential. He's a skilled puck-handler, and a quick YouTube search tells you everything you need to know about him.

If Alfie were to come back, chances are he would get bumped out of the top six. Realistically, what is better for the long-term future of the Wings, Alfredsson or Jurco in that role? The answer is clear, even though some might prefer Alfredsson for sentimental purposes.

In addition, adding Alfie back to the lineup is flawed from a timing perspective; it just seems improbable. It has been over a month since the former Ottawa Senators captain participated in team activities on the ice.

It could be another month until his back is good enough to start training again. Once he gets going he will then need to interact in team drills and game simulations, and at that point he could get hurt again.

In theory, the most the Wings could get out of Alfredsson would be production that is similar to that of a third liner, so why not just invest the time in someone already on the roster?

It makes more sense to use this season as a year in which the youth from Grand Rapids become acclimated to the NHL, because the guard will be changing in Detroit very soon.

The Red Wings have been a perennial contender for the last two decades. They made a valiant effort that led to a 23rd consecutive playoff appearance last season, and in many ways it looked like last season could be the last hurrah.

The strategy this year appears to include playing the kids and letting the potential stars of tomorrow develop their game. To me that is a wise strategy, because not only will it help the team get experience, but it also will allow the team to begin rebuilding quicker.

When you actually think about it, the Red Wings couldn’t have picked a better season to regress to the point where not making the playoffs was a real possibility.

The 2015 NHL draft is going to be very deep early on, and although Jack Eichel and Connor McDavid have dominated the headlines, each team drafting in the lottery will receive a quality player. So in a way, missing the playoffs would be a good thing for the team this year, in terms of building for the future.

If general manager Ken Holland has enough foresight, he could sell some of the team's depreciating assets for additional first-round picks, and that would really help them start building their next dynasty.

Loyalty is a big theme for the Red Wings; so while it may benefit the team in the long run, don’t count on Holland moving fan favorites like Henrik Zetterberg unless the deal is a true home run.

While suggesting a trade of Zetterberg might get me beat up on the streets of Detroit, deep down you must admit that it is something to consider if things go sideways for the Wings at some point this season. He's a player that has had health issues as well, and it makes you think how many good years he has left.

Getting back to the matter at hand, Alfredsson was a great player, and one that added some veteran leadership and offense last season. He was a great mentor to a group of youngsters last year, and he left an indelible mark on the team.

His NHL career could be over very soon, and even if he is well enough to return, the Wings need to do what is best for their team and just move along.