With the season just beginning, it’s time to reset expectations, spotlight new faces, and assess whether this might finally be the season Detroit ends its postseason drought. Below, we break down the returning core, new additions, goaltending outlook and farm call-ups.
Returning Offensive Core & Key Stats from 2024-25
Heading into 2025-26, a few of Detroit’s top point producers remain in the fold. Here are the top four goal scorers / assist leaders from 2024-25 who are still on the roster, and their major numbers:
| Player | Goals (2024-25) | Assists | Points | |
| Alex DeBrincat | 39 | 31 | 70 | |
| Dylan Larkin Lucas Raymond | 30 27 | 40 53 | 70 80 | |
| Patrick Kane | 21 | 38 | 59 |
Because Detroit’s offense suffered some turnover and losses (notably Vladimir Tarasenko was traded away), the production of players like DeBrincat, Larkin. Raymond, and Kane will be even more critical to success.
New Acquisitions & Roster Moves
Detroit’s front office wasn’t quiet this offseason. Here are the key moves and additions heading into 2025-26:
- Trade / acquisition: Detroit shipped Petr Mrazek to Anaheim and Vladimir Tarasenko to Minnesota, acquiring John Gibson in return (plus picks) in the goalie swap.
- Free agent signings / re-signings:
- James van Riemsdyk (1-year deal) joins Detroit, expected to play a role in top-six or power play presence.
- Mason Appleton was signed to bolster the bottom six and penalty kill units.
- Jacob Bernard-Docker signed a one-year contract to help shore up defensive depth.
- Ian Mitchell also signed a short-term deal on defense to add depth.
- Detroit re-signed Albert Johansson to a two-year deal, and retained Elmer Söderblom on an extension.
- They also re-signed Patrick Kane (one year) and Jonatan Berggren (one year).
On the departures side, the Tarasenko trade was the most consequential, as he offered secondary scoring last season.
Goaltending Outlook & 2024-25 Performance
Goaltending was a major storyline this offseason. The Wings chose to pivot by bringing in John Gibson as the new backbone.
John Gibson (acquired)
- In 2024-25, Gibson posted a .912 save percentage and 2.77 goals-against average, considered a bounce-back season from him.
Cam Talbot (returning)
- In 2024-25, Talbot appeared in 47 games, had a GAA of 2.93, 1167 saves on 129 shots against and a .901 save percentage.
- He went 21–19–5 in those starts.
Alex Lyon
- Lyon played in 30 games, posted a GAA of 2.81, with 632 saves on 73 shots against and a .896 save percentage.
- Record: 14–9–1.
Projected usage: Gibson is expected to lead the crease, with Talbot continuing in a veteran backup / split role. Lyon may serve as depth insurance. The hope is that Gibson can provide more consistency and reduce the number of “soft goals” or bounces that haunted Detroit’s net last season.
Minor League Call-Ups & Draft Picks
Recent Call-Ups / Promotions
Detroit has already dipped into its pipeline. Here are three players moved up (at or just before season start):
- Carter Mazur – recalled from Grand Rapids in March 2025. Mazur posted 15 points (8 goals, 7 assists) in 20 AHL games prior to the call-up. In earlier seasons with the Griffins, he had shown promise (e.g. 17 goals, 20 assists in 2023-24).
- Sebastian Cossa – had been recalled under emergency conditions during 2025.
- Austin Watson – also recalled from AHL Grand Rapids under emergency conditions.
Final Thoughts & Key Storylines to Watch
- Can Gibson stabilize the crease? If John Gibson meets or exceeds expectations, Detroit’s defensive liability may drop significantly.
- Will the top four stay healthy and productive? Raymond, Larkin, DeBrincat, Kane are central — their chemistry and consistency will define much of Detroit’s success.
- Depth scorers must step up. Players like Berggren, Van Riemsdyk, Appleton, or call-ups like Mazur need to chip in to prevent the top line from being overloaded.
- Injuries, trades, and deadline moves will likely shape Detroit’s trajectory. The front office may have to swing midseason if things lag.
- Prospect contributions: If any younger players force their way into regular roles, that’s a major bonus.
If all those pieces align, Detroit has a shot at pushing deeper into wild-card conversation. If not, they could be on the outside looking in again.
Leave a Reply