According to the Detroit News, the Detroit Red Wings enter training camp facing internal pressure to break the NHL’s longest active playoff drought after missing the postseason for a 10th consecutive year. While core contributors like Moritz Seider, Alex DeBrincat, and John Gibson met expectations, six notable roster players must rebound from subpar seasons to lift the team.
Mason Appleton Seeks Bottom-Six Consistency
Mason Appleton enters a battle for playing time after a difficult first season with Detroit. According to the Detroit News, the free-agent forward managed just one goal and two assists across his final 34 games after a productive first half. With the acquisition of Keegan Kolesar and Carter Mazur’s expected NHL promotion, Appleton needs to replicate his early-season form over a full schedule to secure his role.
J.T. Compher Looks to Rediscover Offensive Spark
J.T. Compher is coming off his worst season with Detroit. According to the Detroit News, Compher recorded 11 goals, 28 points, and a minus-13 rating while seeing his ice time drop to an average of 15 minutes and 40 seconds per game. The team hopes for increased production if he slots into a top-six forward role during the upcoming campaign.
Marco Kasper Aims Past Sophomore Slump
Marco Kasper experienced a difficult second season in the NHL, registering 19 points across 81 games following a strong rookie campaign. According to the Detroit News, Kasper played through a knee injury that slowed him physically for much of the year. With analytics suggesting he suffered from poor shooting luck, a healthy Kasper could realistically target a 15-to-20-goal rebound.
Dylan Larkin Faces High Expectations
Captain Dylan Larkin saw his goal total reach 34 last season, but his overall points dipped to 67. According to the Detroit News, Larkin was slowed by a lower-body injury in early March that caused him to miss seven games during a crucial stretch. Producing more at even strength remains a focal point for Larkin as training camp approaches amid broader front-office and roster uncertainties.
Axel Sandin-Pellikka Adapts to North American Play
Axel Sandin-Pellikka recorded seven goals and 21 points while flashing strong offensive instincts and puck-handling confidence. According to the Detroit News, the young defenseman struggled at times with the defensive awareness and physical demands of the North American professional game. He may begin the upcoming season in Grand Rapids to continue his development unless early injuries force a recall.
Michael Rasmussen Targets Physical Rebound
Michael Rasmussen saw his production dip significantly last season, contributing six goals and 14 points while his average ice time fell to 12 minutes and 39 seconds per game. According to the Detroit News, the 6-foot-6 center struggled across the ice after previously establishing himself as a reliable bottom-six presence capable of chipping in 10 to 15 goals.
Did you know? The Red Wings open their 84-game regular-season schedule against the New York Rangers on Oct. 2 at Little Caesars Arena, according to the Detroit News.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do the Detroit Red Wings start the regular season?
The Red Wings open the regular season against the New York Rangers on Oct. 2 at Little Caesars Arena, according to the Detroit News.
Why did Marco Kasper struggle last season?
According to the Detroit News, Kasper played through a knee injury that slowed him physically for much of the year, though analytics showed he maintained solid underlying metrics.
How many consecutive seasons have the Red Wings missed the playoffs?
According to the Detroit News, the Red Wings missed the postseason for a 10th consecutive time last season.
What are your expectations for the Red Wings this season? Leave a comment below, explore our latest coverage of the team’s roster updates, and subscribe to our newsletter for daily training camp reports.
Related reading