Breakout Candidate: Marco Kasper, C Kasper took a step-forward the second half of the season. Skating on a line with Patrick Kane, the young pivot should benefit from skating next to the veteran. His left wing remains up in the air, but seeing how little Vladimir Tarasenko provided, Kasper could so worse than having Jonathan Berggren on the wing. A solid full season overall could result in Kasper breaking the 50-point barrier. Buy Low Candidate: John Gibson, G Gibson, due to injuries, was limited to 29 appearances for Anaheim in 2024-25, his lowest games-played total since 2014-15 (23), which was his second year in the league. His overall numbers showed improvement, racking up an 11-11-2 record with a 2.77 goals-against average and a .911 save percentage. Detroit is hoping for a return to prior form from Gibson, who if healthy, should win 20 or more games for the first time since 2019-20. Riser: Simon Edvinsson, D Edvinsson, the sixth overall pick in 2021, posted seven goals (three game-winners), 24 helpers, 67 PIM, 86 shots on goal, 86 hits, 144 blocked shots and a plus-12 rating over 78 games in 2024-25. Skating on the final year of his entry-level contract, Edvinsson should earn a long-term contract this season. Skating next to Moritz Seider, Edvinsson could notch 35-40 points while manning the second unit power-play. Faller: Cam Talbot, G Talbot, last year’s #1 netminder, will cede that role to John Gibson, as long as Gibson stays healthy. If not, Sebastian Cossa could get a look-see in the top-role if the Red Wings blow it up and go young. Talbot, who is 38, is at the teil end of his solid career and best served at filling a backup role, which should be his position this season. All stats courtesy of naturalstattrick.com, moneypuck.com, hockeyviz.com, allthreezones.com, hockey-reference.com, eliteprospects.com unless otherwise noted.
