Red Wings season preview: Larkin's future, GM search top priorities for playoff return

The 2026-27 NHL regular season begins Sept. 29. Leading up to the season opener, NHL.com is identifying six things to watch for each team. Today, the Detroit Red Wings.

Last season: 41-31-10, sixth in Central Division; missed Stanley Cup Playoffs

Coach: Todd McLellan (third season)

Biggest challenge

Uncertainty. The Red Wings have moved Steve Yzerman into a senior adviser role and named Shawn Horcoff interim general manager, but they’re still searching for a new leader of hockey operations. Dylan Larkin, who has been Detroit's No. 1 center and captain, has requested a trade. The Red Wings announced Larkin will report to training camp, but they will start the season without a captain. Larkin's future is still to be determined. Will the Red Wings trade him, and if so, what will they receive in return? In the meantime, how will he be received by his teammates and the fans, and how will he perform?

How they make the playoffs

If the Red Wings are in position to make the Stanley Cup Playoffs again, they must close the deal. Each of the past three seasons, they have faded down the stretch. Last season, they were tied with the Carolina Hurricanes for first in the Eastern Conference and had a 12-point playoff cushion Jan. 24, then finished 9-15-5. From Jan. 25 through the end of the season, they ranked 30th in goals per game (2.55) and blew multiple third-period leads. Coach Todd McLellan said mental toughness was an issue, but it’s fair to wonder if they have been built to succeed when the hockey gets harder. Detroit ranked 30th in 5-on-5 goals (142) and 29th in hits (1,480) last season.

Most intriguing addition

The easy answer is forward Viktor Arvidsson, who should help offset the loss of forward Patrick Kane and boost 5-on-5 scoring. Arvidsson, who signed a two-year, $10 million contract July 1, had 54 points (25 goals, 29 assists) in 69 games for the Boston Bruins last season, including 45 points (21 goals, 24 assists) at even strength. Kane, who signed a two-year, $16 million contract with the Chicago Blackhawks on July 23, had 57 points (16 goals, 41 assists) in 67 games for the Red Wings last season, including 38 points (14 goals, 24 assists) at even strength. But don’t forget forward Keegan Kolesar, who should make Detroit more physical and help establish the forecheck. Kolesar, acquired from the Vegas Golden Knights on July 1, had 270 hits last season, seventh in the NHL, and has 1,416 hits since 2020-21, fourth in the League in that span.

Biggest potential surprise

Forward Michael Brandsegg-Nygard made the Red Wings roster out of training camp last season, but the No. 15 pick of the 2024 NHL Draft was sent to Grand Rapids of the American Hockey League after he had one assist in nine games. He had no points in five games during two NHL stints late in the season. But he had 44 points (20 goals, 24 assists) in 60 games for Grand Rapids, then eight points (four goals, four assists) in eight games in the Calder Cup Playoffs. He also had six points (three goals, three assists) in five games for Norway at the IIHF World Championship, including an assist in a 3-2 overtime win against Canada in the bronze-medal game, helping his country win a medal at worlds for the first time. He turns 21 on Oct. 5.

Ready to contribute

Center Nate Danielson got his first taste of the NHL last season, producing seven points (two goals, five assists) in 28 games for Detroit from Nov. 9-Jan. 3. After returning to Grand Rapids, he sustained a lower-body injury Feb. 18 and missed the rest of the season. He’s expected to be ready for training camp, and there might be opportunity at center depending on what happens with Larkin. He turns 22 on Sept. 27.

Fantasy sleeper with EDGE stats

Justin Faulk, D: He had 40 points (16 goals, 24 assists) in 78 games last season, including eight points (five goals, three assists) in 17 games with the Red Wings after being acquired from the St. Louis Blues. Faulk has scored double-digit goals for the seventh time in his career, including three of his past five seasons, and has had at least 100 blocked shots in five straight seasons. Since 2021-22, Faulk is one of two defensemen with at least 45 goals (49), 700 shots on goal (767), 450 hits (496) and 500 blocked shots (585) over that span (other: Rasmus Dahlin). Per NHL EDGE stats, Faulk ranked among the defenseman leaders in mid-range goals (eight; tied for eighth), mid-range shots on goal (50; 97th percentile), high-danger shots on goal (13; 94th percentile), long-range goals (four; 90th percentile) and 20-plus mph speed bursts (69; 90th percentile) last season. The 34-year-old is worth targeting late in fantasy drafts (average draft position: 140.6), especially in leagues counting hits and blocks. -- Chris Meaney

Projected lineup

Emmitt Finnie -- Dylan Larkin -- Lucas Raymond

Alex DeBrincat -- Andrew Copp -- Viktor Arvidsson

Michael Brandsegg-Nygard -- Marco Kasper -- Mason Appleton

Michael Rasmussen -- J.T. Compher -- Keegan Kolesar

Simon Edvinsson -- Moritz Seider

Ben Chiarot -- Justin Faulk

Albert Johansson -- Axel Sandin-Pellikka

John Gibson

Daniil Tarasov