Preview: How will the Detroit Red Wings fair this season?

With only 8 days till the season starts and rosters thinning out across the NHL, it was time to take a look at was lies ahead for our Red Wings.

Even though the Wings actually made some fairly big free agent signings, the biggest move was behind the bench. The Mike Babcock era has come to an end in Detroit. Jeff Blashill takes over as head coach as the Red Wings look to continue their streak of making the playoffs. Unfortunately they haven't gotten as far as they hoped the past few seasons. Consistency of making it in year after year is very rare in the Salary Cap era.

Now for those big free agent signings. Detroit signed Mike Green, a right handed power play specialist who the Wings have needed for years. He has always known for his offensive prowess and will definitely a lot of back end support. The Wings also signed Brad Richards. A great veteran presence who has won cups and will bring great experience for some of the younger top end talents like Tomas Tatar and Gustav Nyquist. Detroit has rarely made big additions during the off season so it was good to see Ken Holland go out and get pieces the Wings need.

Another big addition might be youngster Dylan Larkin. He is definitely ready for the NHL but the Wings like to take it slow with young players so we will have to see if he can crack the opening day roster. He is a top end talent and could definitely help the Wings, but again, we will have to see.

For a team that seemed to just be getting older, the Wings have had some young guys step up and have created a youth movement. They have good depth in goal so if Jimmy Howard struggles early, we will most likely see Petr Mrazek back between the pipes after stealing the number one job away from Howard last season..

The Wings are a solid team with a lot to prove now that Babcock is gone. As long as Pavel Datsyuk and Henrik Zetterberg can stay healthy, the Wings show continue their streak this season.