The 2^nd team ranked in the epic 32 thots program is Dan and his Wings.

Detroit Red Wings (Dan Sanders)
Record: 48-28-5 (4th in Atlantic)
PP: 18.77% (16th) | PK: 81.88% (12th)
GF: 3.48 (6th) | GA: 2.60 (6th)
Last Season: Stanley Cup Champions

Summary:
Detroit returns as the reigning BRHL Cup Champions, and while they didn't replicate their regular season dominance, they remain a certified heavyweight. Sitting top-6 in both goals for and goals against, the Red Wings are still elite at controlling both ends of the ice — a hallmark of cup-contending rosters.

The powerplay efficiency is average (16th), but the team makes up for it with balanced 5-on-5 scoring, rolling deep offensive waves across multiple lines. Defensively, they’ve remained airtight, supported by a reliable PK unit and strong team structure.

Detroit's challenge now isn’t building legitimacy — it’s sustaining excellence in a league where everyone is gunning for them.

They’ve tasted glory, now comes the hard part: defending it.

Forwards: B+

Star Power & Depth:
Detroit’s center depth is one of the strongest in the BRHL, led by Leon Draisaitl, Elias Pettersson, and Joel Eriksson Ek, all elite two-way pivots with offensive punch. Granlund, Pinto, and Malenstyn offer versatility and role balance. The wings are sturdy and playoff-built — Tuch, Marner, Hyman, and Coleman are gritty, talented, and all effective at both ends.

Concerns:
Lacks a true game-breaking winger outside of Marner, and the bottom six is a mix of role players without much upside (e.g., Boucher, Motte). Still, the group is playoff-proven and effective.

Defense: B

The D-core is big and rugged. Pietrangelo remains the anchor, while Lindell, Hakanpaa, and Oleksiak are all size-first, low-event defenders. Gostisbehere adds puck-moving flair, but outside of him, there's a lack of dynamic skating or transitional offense.

Cup-winning reliability is still there, but this group may show cracks if injuries hit. A true #1 or a younger puck-moving D would raise the ceiling.

Goaltending: A-

Linus Ullmark is a certified starter with elite GAA and save % potential. Casey DeSmith is a solid, if unspectacular, backup. Prospect depth isn’t amazing, but it's not needed in the short term with Ullmark in control. If he regresses, the team may feel it.

Prospects: C

This group is thin on high-end upside but contains a handful of middle-six or depth NHL possibilities:

• Easton Cowan, Calum Ritchie, Liam Dower-Nilsson all project as middle-six forwards with decent IQ and motor.
• Guillaume Richard, Evan Nause, Theodor Niederbach and Brian Zanetti have limited ceilings.
• Goaltender Garin Bjorklund is a flier.

Bottom Line: Most of these players will top out as AHL/NHL tweeners. No blue-chippers here.

Draft Picks: D+

Only three picks across the next two drafts:

• 2025 4th (LAK)
• 2025 4th (ANA)
• 2026 1st (DET)

There’s very little capital to make moves, trade up, or inject the pipeline. That said, the 2026 1st could gain big value if regression hits.

Overall Outlook: A-

Cup hangover? Maybe. But this squad is still absolutely in the contending tier.

Strengths:

• Elite center core
• Tight defensive metrics
• High-end goaltending
• Proven playoff experience

Weaknesses:

• Aging defense with limited puck movement
• Shallow prospect pool
• Little draft capital to reinforce

Final Word:

Dan Sanders built a team designed for the BRHL playoffs — and it worked. He has stars at center, scoring from the wings, and reliable netminding. But staying on top is harder than getting there. With limited prospects and picks, his window is now.

He’s not just trying to repeat — he's trying to build a dynasty.

Playoff Slogan:

“Built for May. Back for June.”
Grit, grind, and greatness — this isn’t a Cinderella story. The Wings are here to prove it wasn’t luck. It was legacy.

Off-Season Strategy:

1.      Add a Top-4 Defenseman (Preferably RH):
Pietrangelo is aging, and the rest of the blueline is solid but unspectacular. Look for a mobile puck-mover or transition specialist to slot into the top 4 and help spark the breakout. This could come via trade, especially with DeSmith or depth forwards as bait.

2.      Upgrade Bottom-Six Offense:
The fourth line is full of heart but light on skill. Consider moving depth pieces like Blake Coleman, Motte, or Boucher in a combo to acquire a younger, more dynamic winger with cost control. Even one 40-point contributor here could swing momentum in tight playoff series.

3.      Recover Draft Capital (if possible):
With only one pick in 2026’s first round and no immediate blue-chip prospects, see if you can recoup a 2nd or 3rd-rounder by moving spare parts like Granlund, Savard, or even Gostisbehere if the price is right. You need to restock eventually — and next year’s draft class is rumored to be deep.

Bonus Tip: Don’t overreact to the lack of picks. This roster is still a contender — focus on fine-tuning, not rebuilding. You’re in the “Reload, not Rebuild” phase.

All eyes will be on what you do with Elias Petterson as you have been publicly spotted taking part in trade talks with to Vancouver homers. Don’t trade Petterson to Sumit. You barely snuck into the playoffs. But this team is one to be reckoned with. Good luck to whoever has to feel Dan’s wrath.