Detroit Red Wings News

The Red Wings came close to ending a decade-long playoff drought last season, thanks to an impressive stretch run by John Gibson, and they will need him to do it again in 2026-27 if they want to be competitive. The 33-year-old Gibson, a 13-year-old NHL veteran, has long been a talented goalie, but has had the misfortune of being surrounded by struggling teams, which will likely be the case again in Detroit. Last season, he posted a 2.72 GAA and .901 SV% in 57 appearances (29-22-4). The Red Wings enter their season opener as -125 home favourites against a New York Rangers team coming off an impressive 5-1 win over the Tampa Bay Lightning yesterday.

Chiarot is battling an undisclosed injury, but is not expected to miss any time. The 35-year-old veteran defenseman was a calming presence on a largely inexperienced Red Wings blueline last season, averaging 20:50 time on ice, recording 15 points (5G / 10A), 160 blocks, and 170 hits in 82 games.

Larkin was used sparingly during training camp while recovering from an upper-body injury, and he will miss at least the first two games of the season for the Red Wings. The 30-year-old had an eventful offseason after publicly demanding a trade after posting 34 goals, 67 points, and 48 PIMs in 74 games.

Detroit's ex-captain missed the Red Wings' previous three preseason games with an upper-body injury and will remain out on Saturday as the team closes out the preseason vs. Columbus. The 30-year-old had an eventful offseason after publicly demanding a trade after posting 34 goals, 67 points, and 48 PIMs in 74 games.

Bernard-Docker was fighting for one of Detroit's final defensive spots after signing a two-year, $1.6 million AAV contract extension in the offseason, but is now considered day-to-day with an upper-body injury. The 26-year-old is entering his seventh NHL season and second with the Red Wings after putting up a goal, five points and 25 PIMs in 63 games last season.

Larkin practiced with the Red Wings on Wednesday for the first time since his highly publicized offseason trade request. Head Coach Todd McLellan suggested Larkin is progressing and could draw into the lineup for the final preseason game on Saturday. Despite the trade request, the Red Wings remain thin at center ice and will need to rely heavily on Larkin for offensive production.

Despite the public trade request, it was reported last week that Larkin would be there when training camp opens, but his upper-body injury will keep him off the ice when it gets underway on Thursday.

Stillman spent the 2025-26 season with the Canucks' organization, where he spent the entire season in the AHL. The 23-year-old winger had three goals and six assists (nine points) in 24 games with Abbotsford. He'll almost certainly start the 2026-27 season in Grand Rapids (AHL).

Englund has bounced between teams in recent seasons and hopes to find stability, at least temporarily, on a one-year contract with the Calgary Flames. The 30-year-old defenseman is joining his sixth team in the last six seasons.

The Red Wings added some grit and physicality to their bottom six on the opening day of free agency, acquiring Kolesar in a trade from the Vegas Golden Knights. The 29-year-old forward recorded 17 points (6G / 11A) and 270 hits in 82 games last season.