Red Wings’ July 1 Moves Check the Right Boxes

In addition, Arvidsson plays a tenacious game at both ends of the ice. He’s very much a high-effort type that the Red Wings value. Expect Arvidsson to be a plus player when it comes to possession and entries – regardless of where he plays in the lineup.

Finally, and probably most importantly, Arvidsson is familiar with Todd McLellan and his systems, having played under him in Los Angeles from 2021 to 2024. In fact, Arvidsson went from a 0.50 points per game player in his last two seasons in Nashville to a 0.76 points per game player during his time with the Kings.

As for Kolesar, he plays a violent style that Detroit’s lineup has lacked over the last few years. Violent as in 24.16 hits per 60 in this spring’s playoffs. 

Hitting aside, Kolesar has carved out a role as an effective checking line forward and will likely step into a similar role in Detroit. He had outstanding defensive numbers during the 2026 NHL Playoffs, posting the lowest five-on-five HDCA/60 (7.74) and second-lowest xGA/60 (2.18) among Vegas’ forwards.

Plus, it never hurts to have a Stanley Cup winner in the locker room – Kolesar played a vital depth role during Vegas’ 2023 playoff run, too. 

As for Detroit’s other signings, Tarasov stepped into the backup goalie role behind John Gibson and Mazur is expected to be part of the bottom six. Bryson and Skoog will compete for depth roles and push players already on the roster to keep their spots. Butler, meanwhile, is bound for Grand Rapids.

Final Word

Colleague and friend Devin Little said it best: “The day’s not over yet, but this would be a really solid July 1 for the Red Wings if *that* wasn’t looming over everything they do.”

That being Larkin’s trade request. It’s such a big unknown. 

Detroit could trade him or tell him that he’s under contract and is expected at training camp. And if the Red Wings do move him, there’s a wide range of outcomes regarding the return. 

But in the interim, you have to like how Detroit approached free agency (and the Kolesar trade). Responsible spending. Direct connections to their objectives. And no outlandish contracts handed out. 

Now, they just need to figure out the Larkin piece of the puzzle.

Data courtesy of Natural Stat Trick and All Three Zones.