Complete Preview and Predictions for the Detroit Red Wings in 2016-17

The Detroit Red Wings are a team in transition after saying goodbye to longtime all-star center Pavel Datsyuk.

The three-time Selke Trophy winner returned to his native Russia to finish out his hockey career after winning two Stanley Cups during his 14 seasons in Detroit.

Free-agent signing Frans Nielsen will help to fill the void left by Datsyuk down the middle as the Wings look to improve upon a 93-point season that saw them claim third place in a tumultuous Atlantic Division in 2015-16.

It's hoped that Nielsen's strong two-way play will improve a defense than ranked 17th overall last season. Free-agent winger Thomas Vanek was also brought in, to help boost an offense that ranked 23rd.

With sophomore Dylan Larkin expected to play an even bigger role after an outstanding rookie season, here's the complete outlook for the Red Wings for 2016-17.

Key Roster Changes

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Key Departures

• Pavel Datsyuk (C)
• Brad Richards (C)
• Joakim Andersson (C)
• Kyle Quincey (D)

Key Additions

• Frans Nielsen (C)
• Steve Ott (C)
• Thomas Vanek (LW)

Overview

Not many teams would be able to survive the loss of three centers during off offseason, but the Red Wings look well-positioned to weather the storm.

Dylan Larkin has moved from the wing back to his natural position in the middle and is using preseason to acclimate to his new responsibilities. Nielsen's brings a two-way skill set that isn't quite "Magic Man" but should be effective at both ends of the ice.

Steve Ott was signed to add grit to a fourth line that will also be expected to chip in offensively, and it's hoped that Thomas Vanek will use his sick shot to add offense at five-on-five and on the power play.

Projected 2016-17 Depth Chart

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Forwards

1. Justin Abdelkader, Dylan Larkin, Gustav Nyquist
2. Henrik Zetterberg, Frans Nielsen, Tomas Tatar
3. Thomas Vanek, Darren Helm, Riley Sheahan
4. Drew Miller, Luke Glendening, Steve Ott
5. Tomas Jurco, Teemu Pulkkinen

Defense

1. Danny DeKeyser, Mike Green
2. Jonathan Ericsson, Niklas Kronwall
3. Brendan Smith, Alexey Marchenko
4. Xavier Ouellet

Goal

1. Petr Mrazek
2. Jimmy Howard

Biggest Storylines to Watch

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Is a Jacob Trouba Acquisition Imminent?

The Red Wings have an abundance of skilled forwards but are short on defensive depth, which makes unsigned Winnipeg Jets defenseman Jacob Trouba a target for general manager Ken Holland.

Darren Dreger of TSN reported that Holland made an offer for Trouba over the summer, according to Chris Nichols of Today's Slapshot. For now, it sounds like there isn't a fit between what the Wings are willing to give up and what the Jets are hoping to receive for Trouba—a package that would need to include a left-shot defenseman. In the Wings' case, that'd be someone like Danny DeKeyser, who they can ill afford to lose.

Dreger says "Holland is willing to make a deal for just about anyone outside of Dylan Larkin," but he can't afford to weaken one side of his blue line for the sake of strengthening the other. A possible Trouba trade will be wholly dependent on whether or not Kevin Cheveldayoff can be satisfied with what the Wings have to offer. If he is, the depth chart will be shuffled dramatically before opening night.

Can Mrazek Hang On to the No. 1 Spot in Net?

Petr Mrazek and Jimmy Howard have co-existed as Detroit's primary netminders for the past two seasons. Mrazek, 24, took over the No. 1 spot from 32-year-old Howard in 2015-16, with more starts and better results.

Howard's still on the book for three more seasons at a cap hit of over $5.2 million a season, according to General Fanager. At this point, he'll be a great candidate for the Red Wings to expose to Las Vegas in next June's expansion draft.

Mrazek should take another step forward this season, maintaining his No. 1 status and moving toward the ranks of the league's elite netminders. But an injury or a cold spell could change the plotline in a hurry.

If Howard gets a chance to get hot, Holland could find himself in a dilemma over who to protect at the end of the season.

Is the Streak in Jeopardy?

Last year, Mike Babcock's departure from behind the Detroit bench raised concerns that the team would not be able to extend its streak of postseason appearances to 25 straight years.

New coach Jeff Blashill was able to guide the Wings to the postseason with 93 points, good for third place in the Atlantic Division and good enough to keep "the streak" alive.

This year, the concerns revolve around the Red Wings' aging core of star players—not just the departed Pavel Datsyuk but also the frequently injured Johan Franzen (36), Henrik Zetterberg (35), Niklas Kronwall (32) and Jonathan Ericsson (32).

Blashill will need his next generation to start taking over as the Wings' key players if the team is going to make a 26th straight playoff appearance next spring.

Best- and Worst-Case Scenarios

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Best-Case Scenario

If the Red Wings can stay healthy, the team can do some damage.

Henrik Zetterberg is still a beast of a hockey player, and a defense pairing of Kronwall and Ericsson is fearsome. If Thomas Vanek can chip in 20-30 goals, Frans Nielsen ably fills Datsyuk's skates and Dylan Larkin takes another step forward, there's room for the Wings to move up in an up-for-grabs Atlantic Division.

Worst-Case Scenario

If the injuries to the vets pile up, it's going to be a long final season at Joe Louis Arena before the Red Wings move into their swanky new digs at Little Caesars Arena next fall. The Wings seem to have a knack for adding names to their injured-reserve list during the offseason, then starting the new year already behind the eight ball.

Extended absences from any or all of Zetterberg, Kronwall, Ericsson or even Tomas Jurco would hurt. Don't rule out the possibility that Nielsen or Vanek, both 32, could also spend time on the sidelines.

Final Prediction

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If the Red Wings can stay healthy and their new free agents perform as hoped, they could surprise some people.

Start with a budding superstar up front in Dylan Larkin. Add another emerging elite talent with Petr Mrazek in net. Then support them with a mix of savvy veterans and talented younger players who are fighting to establish their roles in a fluid roster that will be built on a meritocracy.

In the Atlantic Division, expect the Montreal Canadiens to bounce back and the Tampa Bay Lightning to stay strong. The Florida Panthers will also be trying to stay in the playoff mix after their breakout season.

The Red Wings should find themselves in the playoff hunt, as usual, during the final weeks of the 2016-17 regular season. Extending "the streak" to 26 seasons is well within reach.

All stats courtesy of NHL.com.