I think the Wings are going to surprise a lot of people this year. The people I listen too, other than Damien Cox, no one is mentioning the Wings. All 4 forward lines, and 3 defensive lines are solid. With Boston, Tampa, and Toronto, all on the decline, the Wings will be fighting for a playoff spot.
If the Wings start out strong, you'll hear members of the media say, "Uh yeah, yeah, I knew the Wings improved in the offseason".
I like to talk about the Leafs, but even with a new GM, they still don't understand they need defensemen. They keep talking about grit, but with all that skill, they need another puck moving defenseman to get the puck to Matthews and Marner, and play big minutes. Bertuzzi and Domi aren't the answer. I don't know what fans are expecting from those two. They really aren't big guys.
Anyway it's better to not have attention going into the season. Buffalo and Ottawa have the pressure, the Wings can start the season loose, and ready.