Some Detroit Red Wings' fans are envisioning the team's first trip to the playoffs since 2015-16 after a slew of free agent signings this summer. We've discussed why we think this is unlikely. News out of Boston today underlines our reasoning.
If the Red Wings were to have a chance, it was as a wildcard team. The thinking was that the Bruins might fall out of the playoff race. Detroit, if it could hold off Buffalo or Ottawa, could then possibly sneak in as a wildcard spot if a team falters in the Atlantic Division.
But today the hockey world lined the Bruins have resigned Patrice Bergeron AND David Krejci, along with RFA Pavel Zacha. Now, the Bruins aren't completely out of the woods yet. We don't know if David Krejci will return to form after a year away from the NHL. But the Bruins will still have to contend with the absence of Brad Marchand, Charlie McAvoy and Matt Grzelcyk to start the season.
The holes on defense seem tougher to fill, since the Bruins have Taylor Hall and David Pastrnak to help cover for Marchand. Hampus Lindholm and perhaps Jakub Zboril could have a chance to step up to start the season for the Bruins.
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