Detroit Red Wings’ Playoff Prospects
As the upcoming NHL season approaches, eyebrows have been raised regarding the prospects of the Detroit Red Wings in securing a playoff spot, primarily due to concerns about their youthful defensive lineup. Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, a respected figure in the hockey community due to his accurate insights, recently weighed in on the topic and expressed skepticism about the Red Wings’ chances for the 2025-26 season.
Defensive Lineup Changes
Friedman, who last year successfully predicted that the Ottawa Senators would make the playoffs—a bold forecast at the time—has now shifted his focus away from the Red Wings. His analysis points to the team’s decision to shuffle its defensive roster by placing veteran defensemen Justin Holl and Erik Gustafsson on waivers. This move appears to signal a commitment to integrating younger talents, including 20-year-old Axel Sandin-Pellikka, into their defensive scheme.
The average age of Detroit’s top six defensemen is anticipated to be just 24.8 years, with only Ben Chairot surpassing the age of 25. This youth movement, while exciting, raises legitimate concerns about the lack of experience among the defensemen. According to Friedman, this strategy might backfire given the current readiness of these players, stating:
“The young guys need to play and I will bet on these young players, I just don’t think that they’re ready.”
Challenges Ahead
In this light, the burden may fall heavily on the younger players like Simon Edvinsson and Moritz Seider to navigate the challenges of the upcoming season. Meanwhile, the addition of veteran Travis Hamonic has stirred mixed reactions among the fan base, with some questioning whether his presence could hinder the development of the team’s emerging prospects. However, Friedman suggests that Hamonic’s seasoned experience might be crucial in the defense’s growth amid the increasing pressure of the NHL.
Future Considerations
Looking ahead, the Red Wings not only face a challenge in terms of on-ice performance but may need to address their defensive shortcomings as trade deadlines approach. Currently holding $13.2 million in cap space, the organization has a unique opportunity to bolster its defense, which has struggled with maintaining a solid goals against average for nine consecutive seasons. With ongoing discussions among insiders regarding potential salary cap increases in the near future, this might be the season where Detroit can finally rectify the long-standing defensive issues that have plagued them.
