Connect with us

Detroit Red Wings

The Detroit Red Wings Stock Index: Five by Three

Published

on

Red Wings

CHICAGO – With four games played and the Detroit Red Wings sporting a 2-0-2 record, three players lead the Red Wings in points with five. The offensive output so early in the season from these three players?

It was hopeful for the first player, Dominik Kubalik. The second–captain Dylan Larkin? Expected. The third–Olli Määttä–has been a pleasant surprise.

There’s been some flux in the roster with both Tyler Bertuzzi and Jakub Vrana out for some time. As the Red Wings have looked at their depth and not yo-yoing prospects to and from Grand Rapids, here’s a look at the three Red Wings leading the team with five points each.

Dominik Kubalik

Kubalik added a goal and an assist to his point total, putting him at five in four games. Thus far, it’s the definition of value for the Red Wings. With a team that is missing two key players, Kubalik has stepped in and filled the gap nicely. While the Red Wings saw the game slip away against Chicago Friday night, one of the bright spots of the game and the young season has been the 28-year-old winger. A two-point night against his former team is a nice touch, too. The only thing missing for Kubalik and the Red Wings was a victory.

“It’s kind of what you’re hoping for, right, when you’re playing against your old team,” Kubalik said. “We’ve got to keep pushing and doing the right things.”

Dylan Larkin

Since being named the captain of the Detroit Red Wings, Larkin has done the little things that add up both on and off the ice. Larkin’s value is obvious to Detroit, and also with five points in four games, the captain is leading by example while Detroit’s roster is shorthanded.

Obviously, the value Larkin brings will result in him cashing in with a pricier contract. But along with Kubalik, he’s been Detroit’s most consistent forward so far.

But the fast start statistically would be better, says Larkin, if the team succeeds as a whole.

“It wasn’t there tonight we were too passive,” Larkin said. “We have to find a way to…when we’re up by two goals, to keep our foot on the gas.”

BetMGM Sportsbook

States: All States Where Legal

GET THE APP
SIGNUP BONUSUP TO $1,000!
Up To $1000 Paid Back in Bonus Bets
BET NOW

Olli Määttä

At an incredible value of just $2.25M AAV, Määttä’s five points this season come in the way of a goal and four assists.

Not bad for a defenseman known more for his skill on the back end of the ice. He’s just three points shy of his entire total last season with the Los Angeles Kings. In the 107 games he did play with the Kings, Määttä’s point total was just 12 (1-11).

Not a bad start.

The Red Wings should stand to improve as the season progresses. If Määttä’s output continues at the rate that could compete with his heyday in Pittsburgh where he had 29 points (7-22) in 2017-18, it’s a big win for Detroit and Määttä.