The Detroit Red Wings recently cleaned out their lockers after narrowly missing the 2025 NHL playoffs, but there’s a real sense of hope surrounding the team — and here’s why:
1. Core Players Emerging: Young stars like Lucas Raymond, Moritz Seider, and Simon Edvinsson took major steps forward this season. Raymond especially had a breakout year offensively, and Seider continues to look like a franchise cornerstone on defense.
2. Dylan Larkin’s Leadership: Despite battling through injuries, captain Dylan Larkin had one of his best seasons, both on and off the ice. His leadership is a major reason the team stayed competitive until the very end.
3. Goaltending Stability: Alex Lyon and Ville Husso (when healthy) showed they can be part of a tandem, and top prospect Sebastian Cossa could soon push for an NHL role after a strong year in Grand Rapids.
4. Steve Yzerman’s Moves: General Manager Steve Yzerman has built up significant salary cap space and draft capital. With a deep 2025 free-agent class and a few top picks in the upcoming draft, Yzerman is poised to make aggressive moves this summer.
5. Team Identity: The Red Wings started to develop a clear identity: fast, physical, and relentless. Coach Derek Lalonde has emphasized defensive structure and team toughness, and it’s beginning to show.
6. Experience Under Pressure: Playing meaningful games deep into April was a big step forward. The pain of missing the playoffs again is fueling the team’s offseason motivation — several players mentioned it during locker clean-out interviews.
In short: the rebuild is turning a corner. The Wings aren’t satisfied with “almost” anymore, and with some additions and continued growth from their young core, they believe they’ll finally be a playoff team next year.
Would you like me to put together a possible projected lineup or offseason wishlist too?
