Meet the 2016-17 Red Wings

GOALIES

Jimmy Howard -- Age: 32. Ht./Wt.: 6-1/218. 2015-16: 14-14-5, 2.80 GAA, .906 PCT. In an unaccustomed role — backup to Petr Mrazek — after his career has tumbled since injuring his groin the day he was named an All-Star in January 2014.

Petr Mrazek -- Age: 24. Ht./Wt.: 6-2/183. 2015-16: 27-16-6, 2.33 GAA, .921 PCT. Clearly the No. 1 goaltender, but a nagging question persists after his sub-par ending to last season. Mrazek must eliminate prolonged, costly slumps.

DEFENSE

Danny DeKeyser -- Age: 26. Ht./Wt.: 6-3/190. 2015-16: 78 games, 20 points (eight goals). His defense is among the best in the league, and the offense is coming along. DeKeyser needs to take another step toward becoming an elite all-around defenseman.

Jonathan Ericsson -- Age: 32. Ht./Wt.: 6-4/220. 2015-16: 71 games, 15 points (three goals). Ericsson’s performance disintegrated as last season wore on — a lack of confidence and on-going hip injury contributed. The Red Wings need him to be more of a physical presence.

Mike Green -- Age: 31. Ht./Wt.: 6-1/207. 2015-16: 74 games, 35 points (seven goals). He supplied some spark last season, but the hope is Green will produce even more now that he’s a year into the system.

Niklas Kronwall (injured reserve) -- Age: 35. Ht./Wt.: 6-0/194. 2015-16: 64 games, 26 points (three goals). Kronwall continues to be limited by a knee injury. His minutes will be watched closely, hoping that will increase his effectiveness. He will begin the season on injured reserve.

Alexey Marchenko -- Age: 24. Ht./Wt.: 6-3/210. 2015-16: 66 games, 11 points (two goals). Not flashy and will not make the highlight-reel plays, but Marchenko plays a safe, conservative game this unit needs.

Xavier Ouellet -- Age: 23. Ht./Wt.: 6-1/208. 2015-16 (Grand Rapids): 61 games, 29 points (four goals). Ouellet finally gets the opportunity in the NHL after three call-ups. He’s good in every department.

Brendan Smith -- Age: 27. Ht./Wt.: 6-2/211. 2015-16: 63 games, 15 points (three goals). Smith seemed to turn a corner late last season, adding bite, defense and competitiveness to the defense.

Ryan Sproul -- Age: 23. Ht./Wt.: 6-4/211. 2015-16 (Grand Rapids): 75 games, 35 points (12 goals). Finally gets his chance in the NHL. A good puck-mover and dangerous offensive player, Sproul is an intriguing prospect with size and skating ability.

FORWARDS

Justin Abdelkader -- Age: 29. Ht./Wt.: 6-2/218. 2015-16: 82 games, 42 points (19 goals). Abdelkader is part of the long-term picture, and his leadership and character will be needed on a young, evolving roster. He steadily has improved his offense.

Andreas Athanasiou -- Age: 22. Ht./Wt.: 6-2/192. 2015-16: 37 games, 14 points (nine goals). Athanasiou earned a spot to start the regular season after showing considerable promise last season. Blessed with extraordinary speed, Athanasiou can disrupt opposing teams and be an effective penalty killer.

Luke Glendening -- Age: 27. Ht./Wt.: 5-11/194. 2015-16: 81 games, 21 points (eight goals). Glendening’s two-year extension is a sign of how much the organization appreciates his hard work.

Darren Helm -- Age: 29. Ht./Wt.: 6-0/196. 2015-16: 77 games, 26 points (13 goals). Given a five-year contract over the summer, Helm’s role is apparently more defined and he heads into the season healthy and motivated. Still possesses elite speed that is vital in today’s NHL.

Dylan Larkin -- Age: 20. Ht./Wt.: 6-1/190. 2015-16: 80 games, 45 points (23 goals). A leading rookie of the year contender early, Larkin struggled as the season progressed. Few players match his ability to execute offensively at high-end speed.

Drew Miller -- Age: 32. Ht./Wt.: 6-2/180. 2015-16: 28 games, two points (one goal). Injuries derailed Miller’s season, but he returns healthy and ready to improve a penalty kill and fourth line.

Frans Nielsen -- Age: 32. Ht./Wt.: 6-1/188. 2015-16 (Islanders): 81 games, 52 points (20 goals). Often mentioned as one of the NHL’s most underrated players, Nielsen brings his sound two-way style of play to a team looking to replace Pavel Datsyuk.

Gustav Nyquist -- Age: 27. Ht./Wt.: 5-11/183. 2015-16: 82 games, 43 points (17 goals). His offensive production went south, and Nyquist’s name appeared in trade rumors often. For the Red Wings to improve, Nyquist must regain his goal-scoring touch.

Steve Ott -- Age: 34. Ht./Wt.: 6-0/193. 2015-16: 21 games, two points (two assists). A gritty, agitating, veteran presence that might be able to contribute more offense than expected. Ott gives the young roster the character and experience it needs.

Riley Sheahan -- Age: 24. Ht./Wt.: 6-3/222. 2015-16: 81 games, 25 points (14 goals). Consistency remains an issue. Sheahan’s offensive progress would be a huge plus.

Tomas Tatar -- Age: 25. Ht./Wt.: 5-10/185. 2015-16: 81 games, 45 points (21 goals). The Red Wings are hoping Tatar’s performance at the World Cup — he was one of Team Europe’s best players — will continue into the season.

Thomas Vanek -- Age: 32. Ht./Wt.: 6-2/214. 2015-16 (Wild): 74 games, 41 points (18 goals). The Red Wings took a gamble on Vanek, one of the more dangerous offensive players in the NHL who has washed out with four organizations because of his defense and inconsistency.