2026-27 Detroit Red Wings Season Preview

The Detroit Red Wings enter the 2026–27 season aiming to end a 10-year playoff drought. The Red Wings were able to add some scoring help by signing Viktor Arvidsson at the start of free agency, but they lost Patrick Kane. Captain Dylan Larkin has asked for a trade, but sits in limbo as they haven’t hired a GM to replace Steve Yzerman, who is switching roles. Simon Edvinsson (RFA) still needs a contract for this season. It hasn’t been the offseason fans have been hoping for.

Key Additions

Viktor Arvidsson (RW) – Signed a two-year, $10 million deal ($5 million AAV) on July 1. The 33-year-old scored 25 goals and 54 points in 69 games last season with Boston, bringing elite speed, skill, and top-six scoring punch. He’s expected to slot on the top line with Dylan Larkin and Lucas Raymond.

Keegan Kolesar (RW) – Acquired from Vegas on July 1 for a 2027 third-round pick. The 29-year-old brings physicality, grit, and bottom-six depth, expected to play a fourth-line role and add toughness.

Daniil Tarasov (G) – Signed a two-year, $4 million deal ($2 million AAV) on July 1. The 27-year-old provides goaltending depth behind Alex Lyon, with NHL experience and upside as a potential starter.

Key Subtractions

Patrick Kane (RW) – Signed a two-year, $16 million deal with Chicago on July 23. The 37-year-old scored 16 goals and 36 assists in 70 games last season, a significant loss of elite skill, power-play quarterbacking, and mentorship.

James van Riemsdyk (LW) – Departed in free agency. The 37-year-old had 12 goals and 22 points in 58 games, removing veteran depth and physicality from the bottom six.

Cam Talbot (G) – Remains unsigned as a free agent. The 39-year-old posted a 2.91 GAA and .897 save percentage in 48 games, a notable loss of veteran goaltending depth.

Sebastian Cossa (G) – Traded to Utah for the 23rd overall pick in the 2026 draft. The 23-year-old prospect had NHL potential but was deemed expendable.

Core Retained

Detroit kept its young core intact, with Dylan Larkin (trade request pending), Lucas Raymond, Moritz Seider, Simon Edvinsson, Alex DeBrincat, Marco Kasper, Nate Danielson, Michael Brandsegg-Nygard, and Axel Sandin Pellikkam all under contract.

Impact on 2026–27

The Red Wings’ offseason moves signal a clear push toward competitiveness. Arvidsson adds elite scoring and speed to the top six, while Kolesar brings toughness and depth. The departures of Kane and van Riemsdyk remove veteran skill, but the additions hopefully push Detroit up the standings. Did they do enough? Expect the Red Wings to be in the playoff hunt, with a deeper, more balanced lineup pushing for their first postseason appearance since 2016.

Salary Cap Situation

Projected cap hit – $84,427,916
Roster – 22/23
Projected cap space – $19,572,084
Deadline cap space – $90,404,388
RFA – Simon Edvinsson

Detroit Red Wings Depth Chart