A look at the Red Wings’ most effective forward and defensive line combinations from the 2024–25 season, using advanced stats to break down what clicked and what didn’t.
The Detroit Red Wings' season had its ups and downs, yet the team showed flashes of the playoff potential fans have been waiting for. With the season in the books, it's a good time to break down the Red Wings' line combinations to see what worked and what didn’t.
Some combinations clicked right away, driving offence and controlling play, while others struggled to find chemistry. In this breakdown, we’ll look at which lines were the most effective, how they were used, and what that could mean heading into next season. We used Moneypuck's advanced stats to break down each line's performance and evaluate how effective they were.
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Most Minutes (Forwards): Lucas Raymond - Marco Kasper - Dylan Larkin
With a team-best 272.7 minutes played together, the Wings top line was an intriguing sight from the start. They played 26 games together last season, giving 21-year-old Kasper valuable development time alongside two of the league’s top forwards in Larkin and Raymond. It’s unclear whether this line will be reunited next season, but if it is, expect continued growth from Kasper as he pushes toward becoming a future top-six forward.
Most Minutes (Defence): Ben Chiarot - Moritz Seider
Their 300 minute lead over any other Red Wings pair makes them a easy first place with 883 minutes together on the blueline. With a net rating of -1 over 76 games together, Seider found a steady partner in 34-year-old veteran Ben Chiarot, whose experience brings stability and should continue to support Seider’s development during the final year of Chiarot’s contract.
Most Effective (Forwards): Patrick Kane - Marco Kasper - Alex DeBrincat
The second line for the Wings had a solid +4 net rating last season after playing 192.2 minutes together over 30 games. While the top line with Raymond and Larkin garner so much attention, the elite second line helped score key goals when the team needed and rounded out Detroit's top-six as one of the most elite in the league. An addition of Brock Boeser or another top line winger should keep this line together and make them dangerous for another season.
Most Effective (Defence): Simon Edvinsson - Moritz Seider
With a team-best +8 net rating, the young duo established itself as one of the most promising for years to come with the 22-year-old Edvinsson adding to Seider's All-star talents. They will look to continue growing their chemistry for years to come and hopefully rival the likes of Nicklas Lidström and Chris Chelios or Florida's Gustav Forsling and Aaron Ekblad. With nearly 500 minutes played together over 64 games, fans should be excited to see the development of this elite pairing.
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