Detroit finished last season ranked ninth in offense (3.35 goals per game) and 24th in defense (3.33 goals per game).

During the off-season, the Red Wings lost forwards David Perron (signed with the Ottawa Senators on July 1) and Daniel Sprong (signed with the Vancouver Canucks on July 20), and defensemen Shayne Gostisbehere (signed with the Carolina Hurricanes on July 1) and Jake Walman (traded to the San Jose Sharks on June 25).

However, they added forwards Vladimir Tarasenko (signed to a two-year, $9.5 million contract on July 3) and Tyler Motte (signed to a one-year, $800,000 contract on July 2), defenseman Erik Gustafsson (signed to a two-year, $4 million contract on July 1) and goaltender Cam Talbot (signed to a two-year, $5 million contract on July 1).

Tarasenko spoke about the playoffs after the signing.

“I’m not someone who just comes in and hangs out, enjoys my time and doesn’t try to win,” said the 32-year-old, who won the Cup with the St. Louis Blues in 2019 and the Florida Panthers last season. “I really love winning and (I) won my second Cup. I’m going to do whatever I can to help the organization take the next step, help the guys, share my experience and do whatever I can to make it to the playoffs.

“(If) you make the playoffs, you never know what’s going to happen. That’s why I’m coming, because I like the way the team played (last season) and I believe this team can make the playoffs and do some special things.”

Talbot also talked about the playoffs.

“I’m at a point in my career where I’m not ready to just post it,” the 37-year-old said. “I just don’t want to give up starts. I still want to compete for starts, I still want to compete for the playoffs and I still want to win a Stanley Cup. I’ve never done that before. So, all of that plays into this decision, the fact that they were so close last year and they want to push it again and they’ve made that clear.”

Yzerman emphasized that he will stick to the plan, trying to build a core that can compete consistently in the playoffs, but the Red Wings have potential and a sense of urgency this season.

“I don’t think it’s any different than I felt last year,” Yzerman said. “I think we’re in the group of teams that have a chance to compete in the playoffs if we stay healthy, our goaltending is good and we have some unexpected (performances). We can get in, or you can miss by a point in the last game of the season. That’s the nitty gritty.”