By Jason Berndt
The Detroit Red Wings are ready to make waves this season, however has their time finally arrived? After a seven-season absence from the playoffs, they are determined to put an end to this drought. With several experienced players joining the roster, the Red Wings are hopeful about their chances.
Their season kicks off on the road as they face the New Jersey Devils in Newark, New Jersey, on Thursday night. Last season, the Red Wings had 35 wins and accumulated 80 points. While this marked an improvement from their previous six seasons, they still fell short of securing a postseason spot. Team captain Dylan Larkin emphasized the group’s determination, stating, “The guys in the room, we talked about it last year, we want more.” He pointed out that the addition of veteran players, some in contract years, brings a positive dynamic to the team. Larkin is determined to rely on each other for a strong start and consistent performance, expressing the team’s aspiration to make it to the playoffs.
Larkin is set to have a potent scorer alongside him on the first line, as the Red Wings acquired wing Alex DeBrincat from the Ottawa Senators and signed him to a four-year extension. DeBrincat, who has previously scored 41 goals on two occasions during his five seasons with Chicago, netted 27 goals in his single campaign with the Senators in 2022-23. Furthermore, center J.T. Compher, with experience in seven seasons with Colorado, has been signed to a five-year contract and will anchor the second line in Detroit.
Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman made several additions to bolster the team, including wings Daniel Sprong, Klim Kostin, and Christian Fischer, defensemen Jeff Petry and Shayne Gostisbehere, and backup goaltender James Reimer through trade or free agency. Despite their enhancements, they are aware that external expectations are not high. Red Wings coach Derek Lalonde noted, “Obviously, no one has us making the playoffs.” He doesn’t see this as a reflection on the team’s abilities but acknowledges the challenging division. He mentioned an article dubbing them “The 10 Hopeless Teams,” where they were listed as the first “hopeless team.” Lalonde emphasized their determination to change that narrative.
On the other side, the New Jersey Devils had an impressive season, earning 52 wins and 112 points after four consecutive seasons without playoff qualification. They reached the second round of the playoffs but aim to go further. They acquired 34-goal scorer Tyler Toffoli from the Calgary Flames and will rely on the core group that produced the third-most points in the league last season. Jack Hughes, who led the team in goals, assists, and points last season, anticipates an even stronger performance after his breakout year. Hughes said, “We’re heading into the year probably with our best team yet.”
With key players like captain Nico Hischier, winger Jesper Bratt, and defenseman Dougie Hamilton, the Devils have no reason to expect a drop in performance. Coach Lindy Ruff, who recently signed a multi-year contract extension, emphasized the team’s readiness to embrace high expectations, saying, “We’ve earned the right to embrace those expectations.”
The puck will drop tonight in New Jersey at 7:30pm on ESPN+.
