The past couple of months have been rough for the Red Wings, ultimately ending in yet another season without a playoff berth. And yes, it’s perfectly fair to feel frustrated with how the team performed down the stretch of the 2024–25 season. But that doesn’t mean the whole year was a loss, even if it may have felt that way at times.
So, let’s take a moment to focus on a few positives—something I’ve been desperately trying to do ever since that Stadium Series loss to the Blue Jackets. I want to highlight a standout goal-scorer who nearly hit 40 goals, some key players who took noticeable steps in their development, and one particular aspect of the Red Wings’ game where they truly excelled.
Given the outcome of the season, it’s easy to fall into a spiral of negativity about the Wings. But let’s not overlook the progress that has been made since the puck dropped last October.
1 – Alex DeBrincat
Alex DeBrincat wrapped up the season tied for second in team points with 70, and his 39 goals were nothing short of impressive. With a sharp 16.0% shooting rate, he’s become the team’s go-to scorer in crucial moments. As he continues to build chemistry with his linemates in Hockeytown, expect even more from him next season.
He also matched Dylan Larkin for the team lead in power-play goals with 13 and added four game-winners to his name. At this point, DeBrincat is the type of player defenses can’t afford to lose track of—he’s earned a spot among the league’s top snipers.
Given how well he produced this season, it wouldn’t be shocking to see him break the 40-goal mark in 2025–26 and solidify his place as a top-10 goal scorer in the NHL.
2 – Building a Strong Core
Sure, I’ve said before that having a solid core alone isn’t enough—but it is the foundation for a winning team. Luckily, the Red Wings have that foundation, with players like DeBrincat, Marco Kasper, Dylan Larkin, Moritz Seider, Simon Edvinsson, and Lucas Raymond leading the charge.
Raymond, in particular, is starting to resemble a Mikko Rantanen type—a strong second star who can carry major offensive weight, even if he’s not quite a franchise centerpiece like Nathan MacKinnon. That said, teams aiming for the Cup need a Raymond-type player, and with his trajectory, he could easily push for 90 points next season.
Seider has carved out his identity as one of the NHL’s best all-around defensemen, never hesitating to throw his weight around. Edvinsson made strides of his own and looks poised to take a big leap next year, while Larkin still has flashes of brilliance. This core isn’t complete yet, but it’s coming together in a promising way.
3 – Power Play Progress
Great special teams are a hallmark of championship-level squads, and the Red Wings’ power play certainly fits that mold. With a 27.00% success rate, the man advantage was one of the team’s biggest strengths this season. The penalty kill still needs serious work, but there’s no doubt that the Wings are heading in the right direction—at least halfway there.
Let me know if you’d like to tweak the tone further—more optimistic, analytical, or casual!
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