Roster uncertainty clouds the Red Wings' season opener as contract stalemates and sudden health concerns leave Detroit scrambling to finalize their lineup against the New York Rangers.
This week, the Detroit Red Wings started to ramp up operations ahead of Friday's 2026-27 season opener. But as the opening night lineup takes shape, three key players remain question marks.
The Red Wings have yet to re-sign restricted free agent defenseman Simon Edvinsson. He has been seen practicing with the team at times, but he was not on the ice this week. With the opener just days away, his contract situation remains unresolved.
Captain Dylan Larkin was on the ice this week and took part in drills. However, head coach Todd McLellan said the two-way center met with team doctors, and it is still unclear whether he will be healthy enough to play Friday night.
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The third question mark was quickly answered with starting goaltender John Gibson, as he did not practice this week. McLellan explained that Gibson has been dealing with an illness that kept him out of Friday's and Monday's practices.
The Red Wings practiced in full lines Monday, offering a glimpse of what the group may look like against the Rangers if Edvinsson, Larkin and Gibson are unavailable. The hope is that Detroit will have more clarity on all three situations as the week goes on as they open the season Friday against the New York Rangers.
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