A week or two ago, I wrote about how it was time for the Detroit Red Wings to start winning after missing the Stanley Cup Playoffs six years in a row.

Well, they really need to start winning after the free agent signings that Wings general manager Steve Yzerman has made in the last day or so.

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Now, let me clarify what I mean by that.  Because some people think that I expect a Stanley Cup winner, or pretty close to that next season.

I don't.  I realize that they play in a stacked Atlantic Division with the Tampa Bay Lightning, Florida Panthers, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Boston Bruins (all playoff teams, all are better than the Red Wings).  It will be very difficult to crack the top three in that division next season (top 3 are guaranteed playoff spots).

And I also realize that the Metropolitan Division has teams like the Pittsburgh Penguins, Washington Capitals, Carolina Hurricanes, and New York Rangers (again, top 3 are guaranteed playoff spots).

But, with the acquisitions the Wings have made (led by the signing of free agent Andrew Copp to a five-year deal).  I don't think it's unfair to expect at the very least, a wild card spot in the East.  There comes a time that expectations and realistic goals need to be raised.  And that time is now.

Yzerman's rebuild with draft picks, young players, and minor free agent signings haven't gone as quickly as some have hoped for.  So, Stevie Y decided to use the $30 million+ of salary cap space they had to go get some players that will help them immediately.

With the additions of Copp (pictured above), fellow forwards David Perron and Domink Kubalik, as well as defensemen Olli Maata, Ben Chiarot, and Mark Pysyk.  Expectations better be raised!

Stevie Y has now provided the talent necessary for improvement (notice I said improvement, not Stanley Cup or bust).  Now it's up to new head coach Derek Lalonde and the players to make it happen.  IT'S TIME!!!!

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