The Red Wings took a surprisingly quiet approach to this year’s free agency, making mostly modest moves despite fans hoping for bigger splashes.
Their biggest deal? Landing goalie John Gibson from Anaheim, giving up Petr Mrazek, a future second-round pick, and a fourth-rounder.
The team made 11 moves in total, with the most eye-catching being Patrick Kane’s return on a one-year, $3 million deal that could reach $7 million with bonuses.
They also picked up veteran James van Riemsdyk on a bargain $1 million contract.
Here’s how the Red Wings are shaping up for 2025-26:
The top line looks solid with team captain Dylan Larkin centering Lucas Raymond, but there’s still a question mark on who’ll complete that trio. For now, Elmer Soderblom might get his shot.
Kane and Alex DeBrincat will bring some serious scoring punch to the second line, with young center Marco Kasper looking to make his mark between them.
The bottom six forwards are pretty flexible. Van Riemsdyk, Andrew Copp, and newcomer Mason Appleton could form a strong checking line, while Michael Rasmussen, J.T. Compher, and Jonatan Berggren round out the forward group.
On defense, rising star Moritz Seider leads the way alongside Ben Chiarot. The promising Simon Edvinsson pairs with Albert Johansson on the second unit.
In net, Gibson will share duties with veteran Cam Talbot.
The biggest question mark? That last spot in the top six forwards. While Soderblom gets the first crack at it, don’t be surprised to see several players rotate through that position until someone claims it for good.
It’s not the flashiest roster in the NHL, but there’s a nice mix of youth and experience here. The real test will be seeing how all these pieces fit together when the season starts.
