While the forward grouping of the lineup for the Detroit Red Wings’ 2023-24 season stood out in a bright way for the most part, the defensemen on the roster and the defensive play as a whole was one of the team’s biggest Achilles heels throughout the season. There were some bright spots from the group, including Moritz Seider but there were also some players who underperformed and were underwhelming this season. With that being said, how did the group grade out?
High Honors
Moritz Seider
2023-24 stats: 82 GP – Nine goals, 33 assists, 42 points, minus-7
Another season, another 82 games played by the Red Wings’ 2019 first-round pick. Moritz Seider was the most consistent and reliable defenseman for the team once again this season, even with a shaky start to his season. While the metrics may not be in his favor compared to some other defensemen in the league, Seider played a strong defensive game while being matched up against the opponent’s top forwards. He showed a continued and constant willingness to lay his body on the line in the defensive zone as well, whether it was blocking shots or laying hits on his opponents. He recorded 200-plus hits and blocked shots a piece this season.
Offensively, Seider set a career-high in goals with nine while also becoming more involved in the powerplay as the season went on (he set a career-high in powerplay goals with three). But what stood out quite a bit with his play in the offensive zone was the smart play he showcased with the puck as well as keeping plays and offensive zone pressure alive with saves at the blue line. Heading into the offseason as a restricted free agent, he should certainly be earning a pay raise along with a long-term extension.
Grade: A
Shayne Gostisbehere
2023-24 stats: 81 GP – 10 goals, 46 assists, 56 points, minus-16
After signing a one-year deal in the offseason with the Red Wings, the hope was that Shayne Gostisbehere would bring some much-needed offense to the defensive grouping for the team this season after being known to be more of an offensively-minded defenseman, and he did just that. His offensive game was once again strong, both in five-on-five play and on the powerplay, thanks to the strong shot he has. Where he lacked was defensively, where he struggled throughout the season, but the offense he brought to the team offset the downfalls in his own zone.
Grade: B+ based on his strong offensive numbers and play.
Honors
Ben Chiarot
2023-24 stats: 77 GP- Five goals, 15 assists, 20…
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