The Detroit Red Wings enter the 2025-26 season with a forward group that has the potential to "outkick expectations," especially if Marco Kasper thrives in the second-line center role. After a busy offseason that saw some new faces arrive in Hockeytown, the team hopes that these additions, along with their established core, will be enough to end their playoff drought.
Key Returning Players:
- Dylan Larkin: The Red Wings captain is coming off a strong season and is expected to once again lead the team's offense. Last year, his connection with Lucas Raymond continued to be a driving force for Detroit's attack.
- Lucas Raymond: Raymond is projected to continue his upward trajectory and build on his impressive performance from last season. He is considered a fringe top 50 overall player in standard leagues and a fringe top 20 option in keeper and dynasty formats.
- Alex DeBrincat: A two-time 40-goal scorer, DeBrincat led the Red Wings in goals last season. He is expected to be a key offensive contributor again in 2025-26.
- Patrick Kane: After re-signing with the Red Wings, Kane brings his offensive skill and experience to the team. His work on the power play is especially valuable.
- Marco Kasper: The Red Wings are hoping that Kasper can build upon his strong finish to last season and solidify himself as a top-six forward.
Offseason Additions:
- James van Riemsdyk: Signed as a free agent, the veteran forward is expected to bring a net-front presence and contribute on the power play. He could fill the top-six winger role.
- Mason Appleton: Appleton was signed to a two-year contract and is expected to add physicality and contribute to the penalty kill. He could end up on a checking line with Andrew Copp and J.T. Compher.
Rookies and Prospects:
The Red Wings have a number of promising forward prospects who could potentially make an impact in the future:
- Nate Danielson: After a full season with the Grand Rapids Griffins, Danielson is looking to earn a spot with the Red Wings. He is considered a versatile player with a strong two-way game.
- Michael Brandsegg-Nygård: Brandsegg-Nygård made his North American professional debut with the Griffins last season after playing in Sweden.
- Carter Bear: Drafted in the first round of the 2025 NHL Entry Draft, Bear is another prospect to watch.
Projected Line Combinations (Subject to Change):
While it is still early to predict the exact line combinations, here is a possible projection based on current information:
- Line 1: James van Riemsdyk - Dylan Larkin - Lucas Raymond
- Line 2: Alex DeBrincat - Marco Kasper - Patrick Kane
- Line 3: Elmer Soderblom - J.T. Compher - Jonatan Berggren
- Line 4: Michael Rasmussen - Andrew Copp - Mason Appleton
Areas for Improvement:
- Scoring Depth: The Red Wings need to find more consistent scoring from their bottom-six forwards.
- Defensive Contribution from Forwards: The team needs all of its forwards to commit to playing a strong defensive game.
Overall, the Red Wings' forward group has a mix of established talent, promising prospects, and new additions. If they can get contributions from all areas of the lineup and stay healthy, they have a chance to be a potent offensive team and compete for a playoff spot. However, some argue that the team still needs to add a top-line forward to truly contend.
