In Detroit, Bob Wojnowski notes the Red Wings “have a new coach, Derek Lalonde, solid free-agent additions and bubbling hope for the opener Friday night” against Montreal. They “should be better, perhaps significantly better.” GM Steve Yzerman’s plan “is taking shape.” He has drafted “impactful players” and “made solid veteran acquisitions.” The Wings “upgraded virtually every area through free agency and trades, and people have noticed” ( DETROIT NEWS, 10/11 ).
HIGH HOPES : In Edmonton, Robert Tychkowski writes the Oilers appear “poised for something dramatic this season.” This year is “a chance to re-do the ill-fated 2017-18 campaign,” when the Oilers were “considered favourites in the West.” That is “exactly where they are again -- considered favourites in the West based on their wealth of raw talent” ( EDMONTON SUN, 10/11 ).
