Several former Detroit Red Wings players suited up in other cities in 2025-26 who are still unsigned and looking for work for 2026-27.
While the Detroit Red Wings await the decision from unrestricted free agent forward Patrick Kane, there remain several former members of the club who continue to be available on the open market.
The most recognizable former Red Wings forward still up for grabs is Vladimir Tarasenko, who spent one season in Detroit and severely underwhelmed with just 11 goals before being dealt to the Minnesota Wild last offseason.
While he got off to a slow offensive start with the Wild, the acquisition of Quinn Hughes helped put things in gear; he finished the season with 23 goals and 47 points.
Additionally, forward Anthony Mantha, who was once thought of as a potential cornerstone piece for the franchise, remains unsigned. He tallied a career-best 33 goals for the Pittsburgh Penguins last season on a one-year "prove it" style contract, but his camp is reportedly looking for a long-term pact.
Other former Red Wings forwards on the open market include Robby Fabbri, Adam Erne, Luke Glendening, Gustav Nyquist, and Tomas Nosek.
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On the blue line, former Red Wings defensemen Nick Leddy, Jeff Petry, and Brendan Smith remain unsigned; all three are getting up there in age, and may be faced with retirement.
Between the pipes, both James Reimer and Petr Mrazek are still looking for work. Mrazek, who was re-acquired by the Red Wings at the 2025 NHL Trade Deadline from the Chicago Blackhawks, was dealt to the Anaheim Ducks as part of the John Gibson deal last summer, but missed most of the season after yet another injury.
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