Tag: Detroit Red Wings

Ilitch: Larkin could remain with Red Wings all season

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

Detroit Red Wings owner Chris Ilitch said Dylan Larkin “could be here all year”, leaving open the possibility that the forward remains with the club despite requesting a trade after last season. The team has said Larkin will report to training camp and will begin the season without a captain. On July 15, the Red Wings moved general manager Steve Yzerman into a senior-adviser role to Ilitch, while Shawn Horcoff has been named interim GM during the search for a new president of hockey operations. Ilitch said the new hire will determine future captaincy and staff structure, while discussions about Larkin will remain private. He also identified contracts for restricted free-agent defenceman Simon Edvinsson and Alex DeBrincat, who can become an unrestricted free agent after the season, as immediate priorities.

Key Facts

  • Chris Ilitch, owner of the Detroit Red Wings, said Dylan Larkin “could be here all year”.
  • Dylan Larkin requested a trade after the Red Wings missed the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the 10th straight season.
  • The Red Wings announced that Larkin would report to training camp but that the team would begin the season without a captain.
  • On July 15 the club announced that general manager Steve Yzerman would become a senior adviser to Chris Ilitch.
  • The Red Wings announced Shawn Horcoff will serve as interim general manager until they find their next leader of hockey operations.
  • Ilitch said the franchise is looking for ” an innovative difference-maker who can build a championship-caliber organisation” and that the new president of hockey operations will determine future captaincy and staff status, including coach Todd McLellan.
  • Ilitch said day-to-day business will be handled by interim GM Shawn Horcoff.
  • Ilitch identified contracts for defenceman Simon Edvinsson, a restricted free agent, and forward Alex DeBrincat, who can become an unrestricted free agent after the season, as among the club’s most pressing matters.
  • Ilitch said Larkin is under contract, will return to camp to play for Detroit this year, and that discussions about the forward’s interests will remain private between the player and the front office.
  • The Red Wings take the ice for training camp on the Thursday following Ilitch’s interview.

IHM Discussion

Chris Ilitch’s comments establish a clear public position: Dylan Larkin remains under contract and is expected to take part in Detroit’s training camp. Ilitch acknowledged Larkin’s trade request but also left open the possibility that no move will happen this season, saying the forward “could be here all year”.

Detroit is also in a period of front-office transition. Steve Yzerman has moved into a senior-adviser role, with Shawn Horcoff serving as interim GM while the club searches for a president of hockey operations. Ilitch said that hire will determine future captaincy and the status of the staff, including coach Todd McLellan.

For now, Larkin is due at camp and remains part of the club’s plans. Beyond that, Ilitch said conversations about the player’s future will remain private between Larkin and the front office.

Why It Matters

Larkin has been Detroit’s No. 1 centre and captain, so his availability and role carry obvious importance for the club’s leadership group and centre depth. His trade request also arrives as Detroit searches for a new hockey operations leader and works through contracts for Simon Edvinsson and Alex DeBrincat.

Ilitch said the incoming president of hockey operations will determine future captaincy and the status of the coaching staff. Until that appointment is made, Horcoff will handle day-to-day business as interim GM.

IHM Market Outlook

Larkin’s trade request remains unresolved, but Ilitch said the forward could remain with Detroit for the full season. The club is also facing contract decisions involving restricted free agent Simon Edvinsson and Alex DeBrincat, who can become an unrestricted free agent after the season.

Detroit’s front-office search remains a key backdrop. Ilitch said the eventual president of hockey operations will determine future captaincy and staff status.

Mini Q&A

Has Dylan Larkin asked to be traded?

Yes.

Will Larkin be in Detroit this season?

Ilitch said Larkin “could be here all year”, and the club announced that he will report to training camp. His longer-term status remains unresolved.

Was Larkin stripped of the captaincy?

The team announced it would begin the season without a captain and that Larkin would report to training camp; the source treats that change as a removal of captaincy ahead of camp.

Who is running the Red Wings’ hockey operations right now?

On July 15 the Red Wings moved Steve Yzerman to a senior-adviser role to Chris Ilitch, and the club announced Shawn Horcoff will serve as interim general manager until they find their next president of hockey operations.

What are the club’s immediate roster or contract priorities?

Ilitch identified contracts for defenceman Simon Edvinsson, a restricted free agent, and forward Alex DeBrincat, who can become an unrestricted free agent after the season, as among the most pressing matters.

Coach Mark Comment

Detroit’s staff must keep camp focused on daily standards while Larkin’s future remains unresolved. Clear communication around roles and a consistent routine can help the group manage the uncertainty as the club begins the season without a captain.

What Comes Next

The immediate, source-stated checkpoint is Detroit’s training camp: the Red Wings will take the ice for training camp on the Thursday following Ilitch’s interview. Additionally, the organisation’s search for a president of hockey operations – the person Ilitch says will determine captaincy and staff status – remains ongoing and is the next structural milestone referenced.

IHM Final View

Ilitch’s comments do not resolve Larkin’s trade request, but they make clear that Detroit is prepared for the forward to remain with the club through the season. The immediate focus is training camp, the front-office search and contract matters involving Simon Edvinsson and Alex DeBrincat.

Detroit Red Wings face a long clean-up after Yzerplan failure

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

Detroit Red Wings enter the 2026-27 season under a cloud. A promising January position evaporated into a nine-win, 20-loss finish over the final 29 games, leaving the club seven points outside a playoff place. Steve Yzerman moved into an advisory role after the season, while Dylan Larkin remains on the roster despite asking to move elsewhere. Moritz Seider’s influence stands out in the five-on-five figures: Detroit held a 71-57 goal differential with him on the ice and a 71-112 differential without him. Simon Edvinsson remains unsigned, while Alex DeBrincat enters the final year of his contract.

Key Facts

  • Detroit missed the playoffs after a late-season collapse: nine wins and 20 losses over the final 29 games left the team seven points shy of a postseason spot.
  • Steve Yzerman was moved to a president role after the season.
  • Captain Dylan Larkin has said he wants to be traded but remained with Detroit as training camp opened.
  • Detroit’s listed cap space is $19.6 million, with Simon Edvinsson still unsigned.
  • Arrivals listed in the roster note: Daniil Tarasov (G), Jacob Bryson (D), Viktor Arvidsson (RW/LW), Keegan Kolesar (RW/LW).
  • Departures listed: Sebastian Cossa (G) – traded to Utah Mammoth, Cam Talbot (G), Erik Gustafsson (D), Travis Hamonic (D), Patrick Kane (RW), James van Riemsdyk (LW), David Perron (LW).
  • Projected defensive core: Moritz Seider, Justin Faulk, Simon Edvinsson, Jacob Bernard-Docker, Albert Johansson, Axel Sandin-Pellikka, Jacob Bryson, William Wallinder.
  • The projected defence includes Moritz Seider, Simon Edvinsson, Justin Faulk, Ben Chiarot, Albert Johansson, Axel Sandin-Pellikka, Jacob Bryson and Jacob Bernard-Docker.
  • Projected goaltending numbers printed verbatim: John Gibson – 55, 89.9%, 2.83; Daniil Tarasov – 25, 89.2%, 3.02; Michal Postava – 5, 89.5%, 2.94.
  • Alex DeBrincat is entering the final year of his contract; a new deal for him is described as essential for credibility within the club’s rebuild options if pursued.

IHM Discussion

Detroit’s season, as framed here, was defined by the contrast between its January high and a damaging finish. The clearest warning sign is Seider’s importance at five-on-five: the Red Wings posted a 71-57 goal differential with him on the ice and 71-112 without him. Reportedly, every Detroit defenceman had positive expected-goal results alongside Seider and negative results away from him.

The blue line therefore remains a central concern. Edvinsson is unsigned, while Faulk is identified as a possible trade-deadline candidate if his expiring contract is not resolved. The goaltending picture is also in flux, with Gibson and Tarasov both entering the final year of their contracts and Postava pushing for an eventual NHL opportunity after a strong first AHL season.

Up front, Raymond and DeBrincat provide the leading scoring threat, while Finnie, Danielson and Kasper represent important variables. Larkin remains with the club for now despite his request to leave, leaving Detroit with a major decision around a player still projected for significant special-teams usage.

Why It Matters

Detroit face major roster decisions after another season without playoff hockey. Edvinsson’s unsigned status, DeBrincat’s contract year, the futures of Gibson and Tarasov, and Faulk’s expiring deal all affect how the club approaches the season. Larkin’s unresolved request to leave adds another significant question around the current core.

Mini Q&A

Has captain Dylan Larkin asked to leave the Red Wings?

Yes. Dylan Larkin said he wanted to move elsewhere, but he remained with Detroit as training camp approached and no trade had been completed.

How important is Moritz Seider to Detroit?

Extremely. The article gives five-on-five goal totals of 71-57 with Seider on the ice and 71-112 without him, a 55-goal swing that the piece uses to argue Seider is the team’s most important player.

Who arrived and departed during the summer?

Arrivals listed include Daniil Tarasov (G), Jacob Bryson (D), Viktor Arvidsson and Keegan Kolesar (forwards). Departures include Sebastian Cossa (traded to Utah Mammoth), Cam Talbot, Erik Gustafsson, Travis Hamonic, Patrick Kane, James van Riemsdyk and David Perron.

What is the goaltending situation?

The projected figures list Gibson at 55 games, an 89.9% save percentage and a 2.83 goals-against average; Tarasov at 25 games, 89.2% and 3.02; and Postava at five games, 89.5% and 2.94. Gibson and Tarasov are both in the final year of their contracts.

Are there immediate roster decisions to watch?

Yes. The unsigned status of Simon Edvinsson, Alex DeBrincat’s contract year and Justin Faulk’s expiring contract are named as urgent decisions that will influence Detroit’s direction.

Coach Mark Comment

Detroit need to build a more reliable second defensive pair so the drop-off without Seider is less severe. Clear puck support in the defensive zone and cleaner exits would help the forwards attack with more speed, while younger defencemen should be given roles that match their readiness rather than being overloaded.

What Comes Next

Detroit still need a new general manager, while Edvinsson’s unsigned status remains unresolved. Faulk’s contract expires in the spring and he could become a trade-deadline candidate. Postava’s AHL progress also leaves the organisation needing to identify an NHL role for him within the next year.

IHM Final View

Detroit’s problems extend beyond one off-season. Seider remains the club’s most important player, but the Red Wings need greater support around him and clarity on key contracts. The decisions on Edvinsson, DeBrincat, Faulk and Larkin will shape the next phase of the team’s direction.

Dylan Larkin to attend Red Wings camp but will lose captaincy

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

Dylan Larkin will join the Detroit Red Wings at their training camp next week, the club announced. The 30-year-old forward, who has spent his entire NHL career with Detroit and still has five seasons remaining on his contract, will not continue as team captain; the Red Wings confirmed the ‘C’ will be removed. Larkin issued a statement saying he has held multiple conversations with team management, that he will attend camp and that further discussions about his future will take place privately once new sporting leadership is in place. General Manager Steve Yzerman was moved from his position over the summer and no successor has yet been named.

Key Facts

  • Dylan Larkin will participate in the Detroit Red Wings’ training camp next week.
  • Larkin, 30, has played his entire NHL career with the Red Wings.
  • The club confirmed Larkin will no longer wear the captain’s ‘C’ going forward.
  • Larkin said he has held several conversations with Red Wings management and will keep further talks private.
  • Larkin has five seasons remaining on his contract with Detroit.
  • General Manager Steve Yzerman was removed from his position over the summer; the team has not announced a successor.

IHM Discussion

The removal of Dylan Larkin’s captaincy, alongside confirmation that he will attend training camp, leaves Detroit separating its leadership role from Larkin’s status as a contracted player. Larkin’s statement stresses private dialogue and a focus on the coming season. Further talks about his future are set to wait until the club appoints a new leader for hockey operations.

Why It Matters

Captaincy carries weight in a dressing room and in public perception. Removing the ‘C’ changes Detroit’s leadership structure for the coming season as the club awaits new hockey-operations leadership. Larkin remains under contract for five more seasons, while further discussion of his future is on hold until that appointment is made.

Mini Q&A

Will Dylan Larkin attend the Detroit Red Wings’ training camp?

Yes. The club announced Larkin will join the team’s training camp next week.

Is Larkin still the Red Wings’ captain?

No. Detroit confirmed Larkin will no longer wear the captain’s ‘C’.

How long is Larkin under contract with Detroit?

Larkin has five seasons remaining on his contract with the Red Wings.

Has the team named a successor to Steve Yzerman?

No. Steve Yzerman was moved from his position over the summer, and the club has not announced a successor.

Has Larkin played for any other NHL club?

No. Larkin has played his entire NHL career with the Detroit Red Wings.

What Comes Next

The immediate checkpoints are Detroit’s training camp next week, which Larkin will attend, and the club’s appointment of a new leader for hockey operations. The Red Wings say further private discussions about Larkin’s future will take place once that role is filled.

IHM NHL Rumors: Red Wings GM Search Leaves Contract Questions Unresolved

Red Wings GM Search Leaves Contract Questions Unresolved

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

Dave Pagnotta said the Detroit Red Wings are narrowing their general manager search after several interview rounds, including internal meetings and consideration of outside candidates. He said the club wants someone in place as soon as possible.

The search coincides with several roster questions. Simon Edvinsson is reported to be arriving at camp without a contract, while Alex DeBrincat is entering the final year of his deal and is said to want to remain in Detroit. Pagnotta also identified Dylan Larkin’s future, along with extension eligibility for Justin Faulk and John Gibson, as matters requiring attention. Jeff Greenberg is no longer in contention, while Brett Peterson, Jeff Kealty, Scott White, Darren Yorke and Tyler Dellow have been mentioned as possible candidates. Shawn Horcoff has also been suggested as a potential interim option.

Key Facts

  • Dave Pagnotta discussed the Red Wings’ GM search on Tuesday.
  • Pagnotta said the Red Wings have completed what he called their first couple of rounds of interviews, including internal meetings, and have also looked outside the organisation.
  • Pagnotta reported the Red Wings want to have a new general manager in place as soon as possible and that they were narrowing their list of candidates.
  • Other names mentioned as potential candidates include Brett Peterson, Jeff Kealty, Scott White, Darren Yorke and Tyler Dellow.
  • Shawn Horcoff has been suggested as a possible interim GM while the search continues.
  • Simon Edvinsson is reported to be reporting to camp without a contract; whether he received an offer sheet is described as debatable and other teams were said to be interested.
  • Alex DeBrincat is entering the final year of his contract, is said to want to stay in Detroit and could seek close to $11 million on his next deal.
  • Pagnotta said there are additional roster questions beyond Edvinsson and Dylan Larkin, including extensions for Justin Faulk and John Gibson.
  • Pagnotta said Detroit could face a difficult season and potentially finish near the bottom of the Atlantic Division, with the outcome involving Dylan Larkin among the factors shaping the club’s direction.
  • Reportedly, Patrick Kane is back in Chicago and therefore not part of the Red Wings picture.

IHM Discussion

Detroit’s GM search arrives alongside several unresolved roster matters. Pagnotta said the club has narrowed its candidate list and wants a hire in place as soon as possible, but no appointment has been announced.

Edvinsson is reported to be arriving at camp without a contract, while DeBrincat is entering the final year of his deal and is said to want to remain in Detroit. The reported possibility of a next contract close to $11 million for DeBrincat remains a projection, not an agreed figure. Faulk and Gibson are also eligible for extensions.

Larkin’s future remains another open question. Pagnotta raised the possibility that the return in any Larkin move could affect Detroit’s direction, but no transaction has been confirmed. Greenberg’s reported exit from the process leaves Peterson, Kealty, White, Yorke and Dellow among the names linked to the vacancy, with Horcoff mentioned as a possible interim option.

Why It Matters

The eventual GM or any interim decision-maker will face immediate choices on contracts and the wider roster. DeBrincat’s final contract year, Edvinsson’s reported unsigned camp arrival and extension eligibility for Faulk and Gibson give the search practical importance, while Larkin’s situation remains unresolved.

IHM Market Outlook

DeBrincat’s next contract is a key uncertainty. He is said to want to remain in Detroit, while the projected figure close to $11 million remains unconfirmed. Edvinsson’s reported unsigned status adds another contract issue, and the club must also address extension eligibility for Faulk and Gibson. The eventual GM will inherit those decisions.

Mini Q&A

Have the Red Wings finished interviewing GM candidates?

Pagnotta said the Red Wings had completed what he called their first couple of interview rounds, including internal meetings, and were narrowing the list. No hire has been announced.

Is Alex DeBrincat signed beyond this season?

He is said to want to stay in Detroit and could seek close to $11 million on his next contract.

Is Simon Edvinsson under contract for training camp?

Reportedly, Simon Edvinsson is reporting to camp without a contract and that whether he received an offer sheet is debatable; other teams were reportedly interested but he chose to remain in Detroit.

Which other players are immediately eligible for extension talks?

Reportedly, Justin Faulk and John Gibson are players the Red Wings need to figure out and describes them as eligible for extensions.

Who is no longer a candidate for the GM job?

Jeff Greenberg is reported to be out of the running for the Red Wings general manager position.

Coach Mark Comment

From a coaching perspective, uncertainty at the managerial level tends to ripple into the dressing room. Players respond best to clarity on roles and longer-term plans; arriving at camp without clarity on a GM – and with key teammates unsigned or rumoured to be movable – can distract focus. For the coaching staff, that means keeping messaging simple: emphasise daily standards, responsibility in puck possession and defensive structure so individuals can control their performance regardless of external decisions. Practically, coaches should treat early pre-season as a player-evaluation window that informs the eventual roster blueprint rather than a time to overhaul systems midstream.

What Comes Next

pre-season games begin on 19 September, followed by regular-season opening night on 29 September. Detroit’s GM search and outstanding roster questions remain unresolved.

IHM Final View

Detroit are trying to conclude a GM search while several roster questions remain open. DeBrincat’s final contract year, Edvinsson’s reported unsigned arrival at camp and Larkin’s uncertain future leave the eventual decision-maker with significant work to do.

What the next Detroit GM must do: Edvinsson, Larkin, DeBrincat

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

Steve Yzerman ” stepped down” as general manager of the Detroit Red Wings on July 15, with no successor identified six weeks later. An opinion column sets out three proposed priorities for the next GM: extend unsigned restricted free-agent defenceman Simon Edvinsson, and explore trades involving captain Dylan Larkin and pending unrestricted free agent Alex DeBrincat. The case centres on cap space, contract status and the club’s direction.

Key Facts

  • Steve Yzerman ” stepped down” as general manager of the Detroit Red Wings on July 15.
  • Six weeks after Yzerman’s departure, the organisation still had no clarity on his successor.
  • Simon Edvinsson is an unsigned restricted free agent and one of six RFAs still unsigned as of the article.
  • Edvinsson’s agent told Swedish media in mid-August there had not been much negotiation in the absence of a GM.
  • The Red Wings reportedly have nearly $19.6 million in salary cap space.
  • Edvinsson’s camp is said to value him in the $7.5-8 million range, with preference for a near-maximum term.
  • A deal in that range would place Edvinsson marginally below Moritz Seider on the roster pay scale.
  • Dylan Larkin has publicly requested a trade because he believes the team is unlikely to win soon.
  • Larkin’s trade request was reportedly on hold while the Red Wings search for a new GM.
  • Alex DeBrincat is a pending unrestricted free agent and has 107 goals over the past three seasons.
  • DeBrincat can veto trades to roughly half the league, limiting Detroit’s control over his destination.
  • Reportedly, DeBrincat and Larkin are among the more movable assets on the roster compared with some longer, more restrictive contracts constructed under Yzerman.

IHM Discussion

The proposed sequence is to secure a controllable young defenceman before considering major roster changes. Edvinsson remains unsigned, and his agent said in mid-August that negotiations had been limited during the GM vacancy. Detroit reportedly has nearly $19.6 million in cap space. If his camp’s reported $7.5-8 million valuation is accurate, a near-maximum-term agreement would place him just below Moritz Seider on the defensive pay scale.

The suggested trades involving Larkin and DeBrincat are more contentious. It also argues that DeBrincat’s pending UFA status, recent scoring record of 107 goals in three seasons and partial trade protection make him an asset worth discussing with other clubs.

Those are recommendations, not reported decisions. A new GM could take a different view of the roster, but Edvinsson’s unresolved contract would be an immediate file to address.

Why It Matters

The decisions facing Detroit’s next GM would shape both the roster and its longer-term direction. An Edvinsson extension would settle the status of a young restricted free-agent defenceman, while trades involving Larkin or DeBrincat would represent a significant change in the club’s leadership and scoring group. The column advocates a reset, but the eventual approach will depend on the incoming GM’s assessment of the roster.

Mini Q&A

Who vacated the Red Wings GM role and when?

Steve Yzerman ” stepped down” as general manager on July 15.

What is the first task the new GM should undertake?

The article urges the new GM to extend restricted free agent Simon Edvinsson, who remained unsigned as of mid-August.

Why is Edvinsson considered a priority?

Edvinsson is a young, controllable defender; his agent said negotiations were limited during the GM vacancy and the Red Wings reportedly have nearly $19.6 million of cap space to facilitate a deal in the $7.5-8 million range.

What is Alex DeBrincat’s contract status and why trade him?

DeBrincat is a pending unrestricted free agent with 107 goals over the last three seasons; he can veto trades to roughly half the league, so Detroit could treat him as a valuable rental or find a landing spot acceptable to him.

Is there a suggested timing for these moves?

Reportedly, the new GM should address these files promptly and points to the holiday roster freeze as a useful checkpoint for a DeBrincat decision.

Coach Mark Comment

Edvinsson is the clearest immediate priority because his contract status is unresolved. Any wider roster decisions should follow a clear evaluation of who can carry meaningful minutes and responsibility as the group changes. Moving established forwards may create opportunities for younger players, but those opportunities only matter if the replacements are ready for the roles.

IHM Final View

The proposed agenda is clear: resolve Edvinsson’s contract, then weigh major decisions on Larkin and DeBrincat. The first is an immediate contract matter; the latter two are bold roster recommendations rather than settled outcomes. How the next GM balances those files will quickly define Detroit’s direction.

Trey Augustine set to compete for Grand Rapids starting job

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

Trey Augustine, Detroit’s 2023 second-round pick and one of the organisation’s leading goaltending prospects, will compete for the starting job with the Grand Rapids Griffins this fall. Augustine impressed across three seasons at Michigan State and had a two-game professional audition last season; he will compete with Michal Postava and Carter Gylander in Grand Rapids. Detroit’s June trade of prospect Sebastian Cossa provides further context for Augustine’s place in the Red Wings’ goaltending pipeline.

Key Facts

  • Trey Augustine was selected by the Detroit Red Wings in the second round (No. 41) of the 2023 NHL Draft.
  • Augustine is 21 and was described as one of the Red Wings’ leading goaltending prospects.
  • He will be vying for the starting goaltender job with the Grand Rapids Griffins, Detroit’s American Hockey League affiliate, this season.
  • Grand Rapids will have three goalies competing for the role: Trey Augustine, Michal Postava and Carter Gylander.
  • Augustine played two games with Grand Rapids last season and posted an 0-2-0 record with a 3.39 goals-against average and an.878 save percentage during that AHL stint.
  • In three seasons at Michigan State (2023-26), Augustine was named the Big Ten’s best goalie in the past two seasons.
  • Last season at Michigan State Augustine went 24-9-1 with a 2.11 GAA, a .929 save percentage and three shutouts in 34 games.
  • In 2024-25 Augustine was 19-7-4 with a 2.08 GAA, a .924 save percentage and three shutouts in 30 games.
  • Detroit traded goaltending prospect Sebastian Cossa to the Utah Mammoth on June 26 for a first-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft.
  • Former Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman said, “We wouldn’t have traded Sebastian had we not been comfortable with the depth that we have in goal.”
  • Grand Rapids coach Dan Watson praised Augustine’s competitiveness, work ethic and attention to detail, saying he ” does not like to get scored on” and noting Augustine stayed out extra in practice to take more shots.
  • Michigan State coach Adam Nightingale credited Augustine with helping turn around a program that had previously lost 16 straight, and called his ‘hockey brain’ elite and his lateral mobility very good.

IHM Discussion

Augustine arrives at a significant transition point. His college record at Michigan State is strong: consecutive Big Ten honours, goals-against averages below 2.12 and save percentages above.920 point to sustained success at the collegiate level. The small AHL sample from last spring – two games with Grand Rapids, a 3.39 GAA and an.878 save percentage – is too limited to draw firm conclusions about his professional readiness, but it allowed him to become familiar with the rink, city and professional routine.

Detroit’s roster moves provide context. The trade of Sebastian Cossa for a 2026 first-round pick came with Steve Yzerman’s assurance that the organisation was comfortable with its depth in goal. Augustine nevertheless still has to establish himself over a full professional season.

At Grand Rapids, the immediate picture is competitive. Dan Watson’s praise highlights Augustine’s temperament, work ethic and attention to detail – traits that matter as a young goaltender adjusts to greater speed and more experienced opponents. Augustine’s comments about preparation and readiness suggest a grounded approach to the opportunity.

Why It Matters

How Augustine performs with Grand Rapids will help shape Detroit’s goaltending depth chart and future decisions. If he earns the AHL starter’s role and produces consistently, he will strengthen the organisation’s internal options. For Augustine, establishing himself as a reliable AHL starter would create a stronger case for future NHL opportunities.

The move from college to professional hockey brings a faster game and more experienced opponents. Augustine’s first full AHL season will show how quickly his collegiate strengths carry over.

Mini Q&A

Who is Trey Augustine?

Trey Augustine is a 21-year-old goaltender selected by the Detroit Red Wings in the second round (No. 41) of the 2023 NHL Draft. He is one of the organisation’s leading goaltending prospects.

Where will Augustine play this season?

He will be competing for the starting goaltender job with the Grand Rapids Griffins, Detroit’s American Hockey League affiliate.

Who will Augustine compete with for the Grand Rapids job?

Augustine will battle Michal Postava and Carter Gylander for a spot in the Griffins’ netminder rotation.

How did Augustine perform at Michigan State?

Across three seasons at Michigan State, Augustine earned consecutive recognitions as the Big Ten’s best goalie and last season posted a 24-9-1 record with a 2.11 GAA, a .929 save percentage and three shutouts in 34 games.

Has Augustine played professional games before?

Yes. He appeared in two AHL games with Grand Rapids last season, going 0-2-0 with a 3.39 GAA and an.878 save percentage.

How does Detroit view its goaltending depth?

Detroit traded prospect Sebastian Cossa on June 26 for a 2026 first-round pick. Steve Yzerman said the club would not have made the trade if it were not comfortable with its depth in goal.

Coach Mark Comment

Augustine’s first full professional season will test how quickly his reading of the game and lateral mobility translate against faster attacks and more experienced shooters. The Grand Rapids competition should give Detroit a clear view of how he handles that step.

IHM Final View

Augustine has earned a substantive professional opportunity through his college record, his coaches’ praise and Detroit’s depth in goal. The AHL season will be an important measure of his adaptation. If he carries his competitiveness, work ethic and play-reading into Grand Rapids, he can strengthen his case for future NHL opportunities.

IHM NHL Rumors: Red Wings 2026-27 preview: Larkin trade request, Arvidsson

Red Wings 2026-27 preview: Larkin trade request, Arvidsson

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

The Detroit Red Wings enter 2026-27 trying to end a 10-year playoff drought after an off-season that brought both additions and significant uncertainty. Detroit signed Viktor Arvidsson to a two-year, $10 million contract, acquired Keegan Kolesar in a trade and added goaltender Daniil Tarasov.

At the same time, Patrick Kane departed in free agency, prospect Sebastian Cossa was traded and Simon Edvinsson remains an unsigned restricted free agent. The wider picture is complicated further by Dylan Larkin’s trade request and the organisation’s decision to move on from Steve Yzerman without yet naming a new general manager.

Key Facts

  • Detroit signed Viktor Arvidsson to a two-year, $10 million contract carrying a $5 million average annual value on July 1.
  • The Red Wings acquired Keegan Kolesar from Vegas on July 1 for a 2027 third-round pick.
  • Daniil Tarasov signed a two-year, $4 million contract with a $2 million average annual value on July 1.
  • Patrick Kane signed a two-year, $16 million contract with Chicago on July 23.
  • James van Riemsdyk departed in free agency, while Cam Talbot remains unsigned.
  • Detroit traded Sebastian Cossa to Utah for the 23rd overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft.
  • Dylan Larkin has requested a trade and remains in limbo while Detroit has yet to appoint a new general manager to replace Steve Yzerman, who is switching roles.
  • Simon Edvinsson remains an RFA and still needs a contract for the 2026-27 season.
  • The preview lists a projected cap hit of $84,427,916, a 22-player roster, projected cap space of $19,572,084 and projected deadline cap space of $90,404,388.
  • Detroit’s core group includes Larkin, Lucas Raymond, Moritz Seider, Edvinsson, Alex DeBrincat, Marco Kasper, Nate Danielson, Michael Brandsegg-Nygard and Axel Sandin Pellikka.

IHM Discussion

Detroit’s off-season can be read as a series of targeted additions made against a backdrop of unresolved questions. Arvidsson is the clearest offensive addition. The 33-year-old scored 25 goals and 54 points in 69 games last season, and the preview projects him alongside Dylan Larkin and Lucas Raymond in a prominent scoring role.

That addition has to be considered alongside the loss of Patrick Kane. Kane’s departure removes a veteran playmaker who contributed both offence and power-play value. Detroit has added speed and scoring through Arvidsson, but the forward group has also lost one of its most experienced offensive creators.

Kolesar gives the Red Wings a more physical option deeper in the lineup, while Tarasov adds another goaltending option. Detroit also changed its long-term asset mix by moving Cossa for the 23rd overall pick in the 2026 draft.

The larger uncertainty sits beyond those individual transactions. Larkin has requested a trade, Edvinsson remains unsigned and the organisation has not yet named a new general manager. Those issues leave important parts of Detroit’s roster and leadership picture unresolved heading toward the new season.

Why It Matters

Detroit has spent years trying to move from rebuilding into consistent playoff contention, and the 2026-27 season arrives with that objective still unfinished. Arvidsson and Kolesar address specific roster needs, but the departure of Kane and the uncertainty surrounding Larkin prevent the off-season from being viewed as a straightforward upgrade.

The unresolved general manager position adds another layer. Decisions involving an unsigned RFA, a captain who has requested a trade and any further roster changes would normally sit at the centre of a club’s hockey operations planning. Until those questions are settled, Detroit’s final roster picture remains incomplete.

Market Outlook

The preview lists Detroit with $19,572,084 in projected cap space and a 22-player roster. That gives the organisation financial flexibility on paper, although those figures alone do not indicate what moves the club will make next.

The more immediate market issues are identifiable: Edvinsson still requires a contract, Larkin’s situation remains unresolved and Detroit has yet to appoint its next general manager. Those developments will matter more than the headline cap figure in determining how the roster looks when the season begins.

Mini Q&A

Who did Detroit add during the off-season?

The Red Wings signed Viktor Arvidsson and Daniil Tarasov and acquired Keegan Kolesar from Vegas. Arvidsson is the most significant offensive addition after scoring 25 goals and 54 points last season.

What is happening with Dylan Larkin?

Larkin has requested a trade and remains in limbo while the Red Wings continue without a newly appointed general manager following Steve Yzerman’s change of role.

How significant is Patrick Kane’s departure?

Kane signed a two-year, $16 million contract with Chicago on July 23. He recorded 16 goals and 36 assists in 70 games last season, and his departure removes an experienced offensive and power-play contributor from Detroit’s lineup.

What is Simon Edvinsson’s contract situation?

Edvinsson remains a restricted free agent and still needs a contract for the 2026-27 season.

How much cap space does Detroit have?

The preview lists a projected cap hit of $84,427,916 and projected cap space of $19,572,084 with 22 of 23 roster spots filled. It also lists projected deadline cap space of $90,404,388.

Coach Mark Comment

Detroit has added useful pieces, but continuity is difficult to evaluate while major personnel questions remain unresolved. Arvidsson gives the club another established scoring winger, Kolesar brings a different physical element and Tarasov adds depth in goal.

The bigger issue is certainty. A team preparing to push for the playoffs benefits from knowing the shape of its core, and Detroit currently has unanswered questions involving its captain, an important young defenceman and the general manager position. Resolving those issues would give the coaching staff a much clearer picture of the group it will take into the season.

What Comes Next

Simon Edvinsson still needs a contract for the 2026-27 season, Dylan Larkin’s trade request remains unresolved and Detroit has yet to appoint a new general manager. Those are the clearest developments to watch as the Red Wings move closer to the start of the season.

IHM Final View

Detroit’s off-season contains genuine upgrades but no clean resolution to the club’s wider uncertainty. Arvidsson adds scoring, Kolesar adds depth and Tarasov strengthens the goaltending options, while Kane’s departure removes an established offensive presence. With Larkin’s future unresolved, Edvinsson unsigned and the general manager position still open, the most important part of Detroit’s 2026-27 roster story may still be ahead.

Seider stays focused as Red Wings face uncertainty

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Seider Stays Focused as Red Wings Face Uncertainty

Story Summary

Moritz Seider said he will concentrate on his own game as the Detroit Red Wings navigate change after missing the playoffs for a 10th straight season. Speaking during the European Player Media Tour in Berlin, the 25-year-old defenceman embraced the pressure around Hockeytown and made continued improvement his priority after a career-high 60-point campaign.

Key Facts

  • Moritz Seider, 25, spoke on August 21, 2026, during the European Player Media Tour in Berlin.
  • Seider posted a career-high 60 points in 2025-26, with 10 goals and 50 assists, and led Detroit with a plus-15 rating.
  • He ranked third in the NHL in average ice time at 25:40 per game last season and has 240 points, including 39 goals and 201 assists, in 410 career games.
  • Detroit finished 2025-26 with a 41-31-10 record, missed the playoffs by seven points and went 3-8-2 over its final 13 games, when the team was outscored 54-38.
  • Seider referenced several uncertainties in Detroit, including Steve Yzerman’s departure, Patrick Kane signing with the Chicago Blackhawks on July 25 and captain Dylan Larkin remaining in limbo after requesting a trade in June.
  • Seider represented Germany at the 2026 Olympics, where the team finished sixth.

IHM Discussion

Seider framed the situation simply: focus on what he can control. “Sometimes it’s good to just be at home,” he said, adding that he wants to concentrate on his own development rather than roster or management outcomes.

That stance matters at a time of significant change around Detroit. With Steve Yzerman gone, Patrick Kane now in Chicago and Dylan Larkin’s future unresolved, established members of the Red Wings’ core carry added importance. Seider already holds a major role: last season he produced 60 points while averaging 25:40 per game, combining offensive output with one of the heaviest workloads in the league.

He also made his competitive ambition clear. “I want to establish myself as a guy that people are not happy to see on the ice,” Seider said, while describing shutting down top forwards as a personal benchmark. He acknowledged that he is not yet among the game’s elite defencemen but wants to enter that conversation, making continued development rather than off-ice uncertainty the focus of his message.

Why It Matters

Detroit’s short-term outlook is closely tied to how its core responds to front-office turnover and roster change. Seider is one of the club’s foundational players, has not missed a game since joining the Red Wings and handled one of the NHL’s largest average workloads last season. For a team that missed the postseason by seven points, maintaining that level while continuing to improve would be significant.

Mini Q&A

Is Seider worried about the departures and trade uncertainty in Detroit?

He acknowledged that they are significant topics but said they are matters for management. “All the other topics, they’re meant to be decided by management and I’m a player and don’t have to think about that too much,” he said, adding that he will “come and do my job.”

How did Seider describe his own goals?

He wants to keep improving and to be “in conversation with the best defencemen in the League.” He accepted that last season was his best to date but said there is still “plenty of room to work on.”

How significant was his 2025-26 season?

It was his best NHL season to date: 60 points, including 10 goals and 50 assists, with a team-leading plus-15 rating. He also ranked third in the NHL in average ice time at 25:40 per game.

How did Germany perform with Seider at the 2026 Olympics?

Seider represented Germany at the tournament, where the team finished sixth.

Coach Mark Comment

Seider’s workload already shows how important he is to Detroit. Averaging 25:40 per game while producing a career-high 60 points puts considerable responsibility on a 25-year-old defenceman. His own message is the right one for that position: concentrate on the parts of the game he can control, keep improving and avoid allowing organisational uncertainty to dictate his preparation.

For Detroit, consistency from a player carrying those minutes is particularly valuable during a period of change. Seider does not need to solve the club’s off-ice questions; his contribution is to maintain the level of play that has made him one of the team’s central pieces and continue pushing toward the standard he has set for himself.

What Comes Next

Seider’s focus now turns to the start of the 2026-27 season with Detroit. His stated priority remains personal improvement as the Red Wings try to respond to another missed postseason and the uncertainty surrounding the organisation.

IHM Final View

Seider’s approach is straightforward: control what he can and keep improving. For Detroit, that steady focus matters during an unsettled period. After a career-best season and another heavy workload, his next step is to build on that performance while the wider questions around the Red Wings are resolved away from the ice.

Seider stays focused amid Red Wings turmoil this off-season

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

Moritz Seider says he has deliberately kept his attention on the ice and his own preparation despite a turbulent off-season in Detroit that included Steve Yzerman stepping down as general manager, Patrick Kane leaving in free agency and captain Dylan Larkin requesting a trade.

Speaking to reporters on the European Player Media Tour on Friday, the Red Wings’ assistant captain said time away from Hockeytown has helped him avoid getting swept up in matters he sees as the responsibility of management. He added he is focused on improving the defensive side of his game as he chases a place among the league’s best defencemen.

Key Facts

  • Seider spoke to reporters during the European Player Media Tour on Friday and said he has used time away from Detroit to “focus on your stuff, focusing on what you can control.”
  • off-season context in Detroit: Steve Yzerman stepped down as general manager; Patrick Kane departed in free agency; Dylan Larkin requested a trade.
  • Last season Seider set career highs with 10 goals, 60 points, plus/minus of plus-15 and average ice time per game of 25:40.
  • Detroit went 3-8-2 in their final 13 games and missed the Stanley Cup Playoffs; it was the franchise’s 10th consecutive season out of the post-season.
  • Seider is the 2021-22 Calder Trophy winner, is 25 years old and is from Germany.
  • He earned down-ballot consideration in both the Hart and Norris Trophy voting last season and received five first-place votes in the Norris balloting.
  • Seider on management topics: “All the other topics, they’re meant to be decided by management and I’m a player and don’t have to think about that too much.”
  • On his personal goals: “I want to establish myself as a guy that people are not happy to see on the ice…to do everything I can to shut the best forwards down in every single game.”

IHM Discussion

The clearest takeaway from Seider’s comments is a simple one: he is narrowing his focus. That is a pragmatic play by a young player who already carries a heavy workload for his team and who finished last season with career-highs across offence and ice time.

Detroit’s off-ice turbulence is well known. Seider does not pretend to be the decision-maker for those questions. By repeatedly returning ownership of those issues to management, he keeps his public role defined as player and leader on the ice rather than a voice in front-office direction.

That is significant because Seider occupies a central on-ice role for the Red Wings. He averaged 25 minutes and 40 seconds a night last season and pushed the counting numbers offensively while earning recognition in individual award ballots. The combination of heavy minutes and a stated desire to tighten his defensive game suggests Seider sees his path to being considered among the very best defencemen as two-sided: maintain his offensive contributions while becoming a shutdown presence.

His phrase about wanting opponents to be “not happy to see you” neatly summarises a classic defensive benchmark. It is not a technical prescription – he did not outline specific tactical changes – but it does set a measurable intent. Opponents’ discomfort is a proxy for consistent, high-level defensive impact: winning key battles, neutralising top forwards and limiting high-danger chances. Those are the areas a defenceman of Seider’s usage must improve to lift a club that missed the playoffs for a 10th straight season.

Why It Matters

Seider is arguably Detroit’s single most-important young building block on the ice. If he can lift the defensive side of his play while keeping his offensive upside, the Red Wings gain a two-way difference-maker who can anchor the team in key starts and late-game situations. Conversely, if he remains primarily offensive with defensive gaps unaddressed, the club’s long playoff drought is unlikely to be solved by his scoring alone.

Fan Pulse

Fans will likely read Seider’s comments as reassurance that the team’s best young defenceman remains committed to performance, not headlines. His focus on controllables – training, minutes and defensive detail – is the kind of message supporters expect from a leader when the organisation is in flux.

Mini Q&A

What did Seider say about the off-ice turmoil?

He said spending time at home helped him “get away from everything a little bit” and that broader organisational topics are for management to decide: “I’m a player and don’t have to think about that too much.”

How did Seider perform last season?

He posted career highs with 10 goals, 60 points and a plus-15, and averaged 25:40 of ice time per game. He also received down-ballot Hart and Norris Trophy consideration, including five first-place Norris votes.

What part of his game does he want to improve?

Seider emphasised the defensive side. He said he wants to be “a guy that people are not happy to see on the ice” and aims to “shut the best forwards down in every single game.”

Does Seider address trade or management outcomes?

No. He deferred those topics to management and repeatedly framed them as matters outside his remit as a player.

Coach Mark Comment

From a coaching perspective, Seider’s remarks are the right soundtrack for a player in his position. He is young enough to still be developing, already trusted enough to log heavy minutes, and publicly committed enough to the team that he is not using the off-ice noise as an excuse or distraction. That combination matters more than rhetoric.

Practically speaking, a coach looking to get more defensive consistency from Seider would prioritise two broad areas that follow directly from what Seider said: role clarity and situational emphasis. Role clarity means being explicit about when Seider is expected to be a driving puck-mover and when he is being asked to lock down a top opponent. That does not require a wholesale tactical reinvention; it requires clear game plans for matchups, zone starts and late-game deployment so Seider’s decision-making maps to the coach’s intent.

Situational emphasis is the micro work. If Seider wants opponents to be “not happy to see you,” that translates into winning high-danger battles, lane discipline in the defensive zone, and consistent stick and gap management. These are the marginal details that reduce quality chances against and let a team eke out close wins, the sort Seider referenced when he said a 1-0 win still gets you two points.

Finally, psychological workload cannot be ignored. Heavy minutes and public leadership during organisational change can strain a player’s attention. Seider’s choice to focus on controllables should free up mental energy for practice and preparation. If coaches can preserve that focus with clear tasks and manageable expectations, Seider is positioned to make the kind of incremental defensive gains that lift an entire defensive group without sacrificing his offensive trait set.

What Comes Next

Training camp is less than a month away, and the Red Wings head into it with both questions for management and a clear on-ice priority from one of their top players. Seider has signalled he will concentrate on his preparation and defensive improvement; how the club pairs that with usage and support in camp will shape his role for the 2026-27 season.

IHM Final View

Seider’s public stance is straightforward and constructive: keep the spotlight on performance, not personnel. For a 25-year-old defenceman already logging elite minutes, that focus is the most useful response to external uncertainty. If he follows through on the defensive refinements he described, it will materially raise Detroit’s chances to turn a long post-season drought into a more competitive season.

2019 Re-Draft: Hughes Stays No.1; Caufield to Red Wings

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

2019 NHL Draft Re-Draft: How the Top 10 Looks Seven Years Later

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | August 20, 2026

Story Summary

Re-running the top 10 from the 2019 NHL Draft with the benefit of hindsight produces several major changes but leaves Jack Hughes at the head of the class.

Cole Caufield rises from his original No. 15 selection to Detroit at No. 6, Moritz Seider moves up to Chicago at No. 3, while Thomas Harley climbs into the top four. Bowen Byram remains a top-10 player but moves down from his original No. 4 selection to No. 8.

The exercise shows how proven NHL scoring, defensive impact and long-term development would have changed several franchise-defining decisions.

Key Facts

  • No. 1, New Jersey Devils: Jack Hughes, centre. Original pick: Jack Hughes.
  • No. 2, New York Rangers: Matt Boldy, left wing. Original pick: Kaapo Kakko.
  • No. 3, Chicago Blackhawks: Moritz Seider, defenceman. Original pick: Kirby Dach.
  • No. 4, Colorado Avalanche: Thomas Harley, defenceman. Original pick: Bowen Byram.
  • No. 5, Los Angeles Kings: Pavel Dorofeyev, left wing. Original pick: Alex Turcotte.
  • No. 6, Detroit Red Wings: Cole Caufield, right wing. Original Detroit pick: Moritz Seider. Caufield was actually selected No. 15 overall by Montreal in 2019, meaning this re-draft moves him nine positions higher.
  • No. 7, Buffalo Sabres: Jackson LaCombe, defenceman. Original pick: Dylan Cozens.
  • No. 8, Edmonton Oilers: Bowen Byram, defenceman. Original pick: Philip Broberg. Byram was originally selected No. 4 overall by Colorado and moves down to No. 8 in this exercise.
  • No. 9, Anaheim Ducks: Dylan Cozens, centre. Original pick: Trevor Zegras.
  • No. 10, Vancouver Canucks: Trevor Zegras, left wing. Original pick: Vasili Podkolzin.

IHM Discussion

The re-draft exercise shows how dramatically several years of NHL evidence can change the value attached to a draft class.

Jack Hughes remaining at No. 1 is the easiest decision. New Jersey still receives the franchise centre around whom the rest of the roster can be constructed.

Detroit taking Cole Caufield at No. 6 is one of the most significant changes. Caufield was originally selected 15th overall by Montreal, so hindsight moves him nine positions higher rather than lower.

His proven ability to score goals at NHL level changes the calculation that surrounded him on draft night. Concerns about his 5-foot-8 frame contributed to his original slide, but years of production have provided evidence that his finishing ability outweighs those concerns.

The defensive reshuffle is equally interesting.

Moritz Seider moves from Detroit’s original No. 6 position to Chicago at No. 3, giving the Blackhawks a high-minute No. 1 defenceman.

Thomas Harley climbs into the top four at No. 4.

Bowen Byram moves in the opposite direction. Colorado originally selected him fourth overall, while this exercise places him eighth with Edmonton. He remains a valuable top-10 player, but hindsight changes his position relative to several players who developed into larger NHL roles.

Matt Boldy and Pavel Dorofeyev are two other significant risers among the forwards. Their established NHL production gives the Rangers and Kings alternatives that would substantially change the construction of those franchises.

Why It Matters

A re-draft is not simply an exercise in ranking players. It demonstrates how one decision near the top of a draft can influence an organisation for years.

Keeping Hughes at No. 1 preserves New Jersey’s franchise-centre foundation.

Moving Seider to Chicago gives the Blackhawks a defensive cornerstone.

Detroit choosing Caufield instead of Seider would create an entirely different roster identity, exchanging a foundational defenceman for one of the strongest goal scorers produced by the class.

Caufield is also one of the clearest examples of how draft projection can differ from eventual NHL value. He does not fall to No. 6 in this exercise. He rises from No. 15 to No. 6.

The defensive movement tells a similar story. Harley rises into the top four, Seider rises to No. 3, while Byram remains highly regarded but moves from his original No. 4 position to No. 8.

Draft position measures projection on one day. A re-draft measures what happened after development, opportunity and NHL performance supplied years of additional evidence.

Mini Q&A

Who remains the No. 1 pick?

Jack Hughes stays with New Jersey at No. 1 and remains the franchise centre of the 2019 class.

Where does Cole Caufield land?

Cole Caufield moves to Detroit at No. 6.

He was originally selected No. 15 overall by Montreal, meaning he rises nine positions in this re-draft.

What is Chicago’s biggest gain?

Chicago selects Moritz Seider at No. 3, adding a high-minute defenceman capable of anchoring the blue line.

Which defencemen move the most?

Moritz Seider rises from No. 6 to No. 3, while Thomas Harley climbs into the top four.

Bowen Byram moves down from his original No. 4 selection to No. 8.

Which forwards make notable jumps?

Matt Boldy moves to the Rangers at No. 2, Pavel Dorofeyev climbs to No. 5 for Los Angeles and Cole Caufield makes one of the largest jumps by moving from his actual No. 15 selection to No. 6.

IHM Final View

The 2019 NHL Draft looks considerably different with seven years of hindsight.

Jack Hughes remains the cornerstone at No. 1, but much of the order behind him changes.

Moritz Seider rises into Chicago’s No. 3 position. Thomas Harley moves into the top four. Cole Caufield makes a major jump from his actual No. 15 selection to Detroit at No. 6.

Bowen Byram remains inside the top 10 but moves from the No. 4 position where Colorado originally selected him to No. 8.

The exercise does not rewrite history. It demonstrates why draft evaluation continues long after draft night: projection starts the process, but development and NHL production eventually provide the evidence.