Nicklas Lidstrom issues bold prediction for Red Wings

The 2023-24 NHL season is quickly approaching, and the Detroit Red Wings will soon be hitting Training Camp in Traverse City with several new faces on the roster and a renewed hope among the fan base that the rebuilding process will take a significant step forward this year. 

Coming into town are the likes of Alex DeBrincat, J.T. Compher, Justin Holl, Shayne Gostisbehere, Klim Kostin, James Reimer, and Daniel Sprong. Are the additions going to be enough to propel the Red Wings to the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the first time since 2016? 

In the eyes of team legend Nicklas Lidstrom, who now serves as vice president of hockey operations for the Red Wings, it should happen. 

“We have strengthened the whole team and I think we should be a playoff team in the spring,” Lidstrom explained to Expressen writer Gunnar Nordstrom.

Lidstrom would also state his believe that forward Lucas Raymond, who is entering his 3rd NHL season but saw his sophomore production drop by 13 points as compared to his rookie year, will come back stronger in 2023-24. 

“He improved during the second half of last season, so I’m not worried,” Lidstrom said. “There can be a dip in the second year in the NHL when all opponents know how good you are and the courting becomes tougher. And everyone now knows how good Lucas is. But I am convinced that he will come back with a little desire for revenge.”

Meanwhile, towering forward Elmer Soderblom will be looking for an improved second year in the NHL after starting strong but running into injury trouble. 

“Elmer was unlucky with injuries at the end of the season in Grand Rapids,” Lidstrom said. “He absolutely has the potential to break into the team this fall even if the competition is tough.”

Red Wings fans, will Lidstrom's prediction come to fruition next spring? 

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