39-35-8 86 points (6th Atlantic, 10th conference, 21st overall)
2.87 GF/GP, 22nd; 3.16 GA/GP, 21st
27.0 PP%, 4th; 70.1 PK%, 32nd
Key losses: F Vladimir Tarasenko, D Jeff Petry, G Petr Mrazek/Alex Lyon
Key additions: G John Gibson, F James van Riemsdyk, F Craig Smith
Expected lineup:
Alex DeBrincat – Dylan Larkin – Lucas Raymond
Jonathan Berggren – Marco Kasper – Patrick Kane
Michael Rasmussen - J.T. Compher- Mason Appleton
James Van Riemsdyk – Andrew Copp – Elmer Soderblom
Simon Edvinsson – Moritz Seider
Ben Chiarot – Albery Johansson
Erik Gustfasson – Justin Holl
John Gibson - Cam Talbot – Sebastian Cossa
PP1: DeBrincat –Larkin –Raymond – Kane - Seider
PP2: Berggren – Rasmussen – Compher – van Riemsdyk - Gustafsson
5x5
Detroit’s production fell by 40 goals overall, 34 of which occurred at even-strength, going from 177, 5x5 (tied for 8th in 2023-24) to 143 (tied for 27th in the league this past season). This decline in output occurred despite a full season from Kane and career-best totals from Raymond. In addition, DeBrincat and Larkin each posted 70 points.
The first line can match up with almost any team. Detroit’s second line, though, leaves a little to be desired. Kane, limited to just 50 games in 2023-24 after recovering from hip surgery, was able to dress in 72 contests and supported the second line. Kasper had 30 points in the last 42 games after just seven in 35 to start the campaign. He should skate next to Kane with Kopp a possibility on left wing if Berggren doesn’t take a step forward
Beyond the top-six, the Red Wings are lacking. This is where JvR and Smith could factor. Carter Mazur and John Leonard each will get a chance in camp to earn spots. Nate Danielson could be a factor at the end of the season.
Edvinsson had a solid first full season, most of his ice time coming at even-strength. He pairs with Seider to give the team a formidable top unit. After that, the next four is fluid with Gustafsson seeing most of his action in the offensive zone and recent signee Travis Hamonic best in a third-pair defensive role. William Wilander and Axel Sandin-Pellikka are the team’s top-defensive prospects and will eventually factor in the mix.
PP
Kane is a man-advantage beast, scoring nearly half – 29 of his 59 points – on the power play. Raymond, 37 points, DeBrincat, 29 points, Larkin, 27 points and Seider, 24 points, produced a significant component of their overall output while skating with on the man-advantage. Those five helped Detroit finished second in the league in power-play goals.
The second unit sees much less ice time, which makes sense seeing how productive the first five have been. Edvinsson should get more of a chance to use his hard shot from the point while Kasper has the playmaking skills to play a key role. Van Riemsdyk will likely be used initially on the second five along with Berggren, who needs a solid season to show he was worth a second-round pick in 2018.
All stats courtesy of naturalstattrick.com, moneypuck.com, hockeyviz.com, allthreezones.com, hockey-reference.com, eliteprospects.com unless otherwise noted.