“It’s all part of the process,” said Lalonde. “Expectations have changed because we were looking at 91 points. We just want a little more from everyone. It’s all going to come down to a good start.”

For the Red Wings to take another step forward this season, every player must work on improving their defensive game, Lalonde said.

“We made progress last year,” Lalonde said. “It was mostly because we were able to score some goals, but I think the numbers speak for themselves. We were a top-10 team in goals scored but bottom-10 in goals against, so we would like to improve our goals against.”

Detroit bolstered its defensive depth in the offseason by signing Erik Gustafsson to a two-year deal and William Lagesson to a one-year deal on July 1. And promising Albert Johansson, who signed a one-year, dual-contract deal on June 19, is expected to compete for a spot on the Red Wings’ roster during training camp next month.

“I think we were very fortunate last year to stay healthy at the back, but we’re going to need that depth,” Lalonde said. “All eight (defenders) are very capable. I’m very excited about Simon (Edvinsson). His play towards the end of last year was exciting.”

Restricted free agents Lucas Raymond and Moritz Seider are still without a contract, but Lalonde expressed optimism that contracts will be signed for the two cornerstones of the Red Wings.

“I spoke to (Raymond and Seider) two or three times in the summer and we didn’t talk about the contract once,” Lalonde said. “That’s between Steve (Yzerman) and the agents. With us, it’s the same message as the other guys – we want to progress, keep going and keep building on this. We want a little bit more than we did last year. Obviously those two guys are a big part of that.”

“I’m not worried. I’ve had a little experience with RFAs in the past. It’s all part of the process.”