It goes without saying - the 2022-23 edition of the Detroit Red Wings that hit the ice in October for their opening night matchup against the Original 6 rival Montreal Canadiens will look far different than the squad that finished last season as the NHL's worst defensive team. 

And thanks to the multiple moves made at all three positions by general manager extraordinaire Steve Yzerman, the Red Wings are expected to take a major step forward in the upcoming season. In fact, according to The Athletic, they're the most improved squad out of all 32 clubs. 

But according to a recent list from Puck Empire, the Red Wings are predicted to finish 5th of 8 teams in the Atlantic Division behind the likes of the Toronto Maple Leafs, Tampa Bay Lightning, Florida Panthers, and Ottawa Senators.

Of course, the Senators have vastly improved their roster this offseason with the additions of veteran forward Claude Giroux as well as young scoring forward Alex DeBrincat while also adding Cam Talbot in net. Meanwhile, despite yet another embarrassing Game 7 opening round postseason loss, the Maple Leafs remain absolutely lethal on offense, though their already suspect goaltending took a major step backwards with Matt Murray now the main man between the pipes. 

Can the Red Wings make some noise in the heavily competitive Atlantic this year?