Predicting the Detroit Red Wings' roster for the 2025-26 season is a complex task, influenced by player development, free agency, and potential trades. Here's a projection, considering recent moves and prospect progress.

Forwards:

• Dylan Larkin: As the captain and a key offensive driver, Larkin is a lock for the top line.
• Lucas Raymond: Fresh off signing a long-term extension, Raymond is expected to remain a core piece of the offense.
• Alex DeBrincat: With a couple years left on his contract, DeBrincat should provide scoring punch.
• Marco Kasper: After breaking into the NHL, Kasper is expected to continue his development and solidify his role.
• Patrick Kane: Following a full season with the Red Wings, Kane's playmaking and offensive skills remain valuable.
• J.T. Compher: Signed through 2027, Compher provides versatility and a solid two-way presence.
• Michael Rasmussen: Recently re-signed, Rasmussen brings size and net-front presence to the lineup.
• Andrew Copp: Copp's contract runs through 2026, making him a likely candidate to continue centering a checking line.
• Mason Appleton: Recently signed, Appleton is expected to contribute on the penalty kill and provide some offense.
• Elmer Soderblom: After signing a two-year extension, Soderblom is expected to be an everyday player.
• Carter Mazur: Mazur's competitiveness and potential to play a heavier game could earn him a spot.
• Emmitt Finnie: Finnie has made a strong impression during the preseason.
• Jonatan Berggren: Berggren could compete for a spot, but needs to take a step forward.

Defensemen:

• Moritz Seider: Seider is the cornerstone of the Red Wings' defense and a top-pairing defenseman.
• Simon Edvinsson: Edvinsson is expected to continue his development into a reliable top-four defenseman.
• Albert Johansson: After showing promise, Johansson is in line for a bigger role.
• Axel Sandin-Pellikka: With high expectations, Sandin-Pellikka could push for a roster spot, though he might start in the AHL.
• Ben Chiarot: Chiarot's contract expires in 2025.
• Jacob Bernard-Docker: Signed as a free agent, Bernard-Docker provides depth on the blueline.
• Justin Holl: Holl's contract expires in 2025.

Goalies:

• John Gibson: Acquired via trade, Gibson is expected to be the team's starting goalie.
• Cam Talbot: Talbot was re-signed to a two-year deal.
• Sebastian Cossa: Cossa is a top prospect who could challenge for a roster spot.

Prospects to Watch:

Several prospects could push for roster spots, including:

• Nate Danielson: After a rookie year in the AHL, Danielson has a good chance to make the NHL.
• Michael Brandsegg-Nygard: Brandsegg-Nygard's solid three-zone play could earn him a cameo in Detroit.
• Dmitri Buchelnikov: Buchelnikov's offensive skills could make him a factor.
• William Wallinder: Progressing nicely, Wallinder has the potential to become a second-pairing defenseman.

Potential Free Agent Targets:

To further improve the roster, the Red Wings could target free agents such as:

• Mitch Marner: A high-end winger who could elevate the team's offense.
• Nikolaj Ehlers: A consistent scorer who could solidify a top-six role.
• Aaron Ekblad: A winning defenseman who could bring stability to the blueline.
• Dante Fabbro: A defenseman who has shown potential for increased production.

Roster Notes:

• The Red Wings have a projected cap space of $12,767,461.
• Several players have contracts expiring in 2025, creating opportunities for new additions.
• Steve Yzerman has emphasized the need to improve the team's defense and add a top-four defenseman.
• Todd McLellan is entering his second season as coach.

This projection is based on the latest information available, but the final roster will depend on numerous factors that unfold over the next year.