Key losses: Vladimir Tarasenko, Petr Mrazek. Key Additions: John Gibson, James van Riemsdyk, Mason Appleton, Jacob Bernard-Docker.
Line Projection (via NHL.com) - Forwards: Raymond - Larkin - Berggren; DeBrincat - Kasper - Kane; Rasmussen - Compher - van Riemsdyk; Soderblom - Copp - Appleton. Defense: Chiarot - Seider; Edvinsson - Johansson. Goalies: Gibson - Talbot.
For the Detroit Red Wings to close the gap and begin to pull out of a lengthy rebuild, some things need to be cleaned up. First and perhaps foremost, the Red Wings need to be better defensively. During the 2024-25 NHL season, Detroit allowed 259 goals, which was the 12th most in the league. At just 70.1 percent, the Red Wings' penalty kill was dead last in the NHL. Those are starting point areas for Todd McLellan, who enters his first full season on the Red Wings bench after taking over last December for Derek Lalonde.
Detroit needs to play harder and smarter for longer lengths than it has in the previous few seasons. The team went into a tailspin from February 27 to March 10 and took itself out of the playoff picture. McLellan should provide more stability should the lapses reappear during the season.
More scoring is also needed. Last season, Detroit scored 238 goals and ranked 22nd out of 32 NHL teams. Nate Danielson, who was drafted 9th overall in the 2023 NHL Entry Level Draft, is knocking on the door to join the Red Wings. Being able to play center and wing gives both Danielson and the Red Wings some versatility, which would help the offense be more consistent.
Goaltending has been a thorn in the Detroit Red Wings' side for some time now. Enter John Gibson, who was acquired from the Anaheim Ducks. Gibson ranked fourth in save percentage last season with .930 in 29 games played.
If Detroit gets better defensive play and the penalty kill improves, they will be in the thick of the playoff chase.