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The Detroit Red Wings Need Major Changes This Offseason
TL;DR
The Detroit Red Wings have been eliminated from Stanley Cup playoff contention for the tenth consecutive year after a recent loss to the New Jersey Devils. The team, which had an 80% chance of making the playoffs earlier in the season, now faces significant changes to improve for the future.
Apr 13, 2026; Tampa, Florida, USA; Detroit Red Wings center Dylan Larkin (71) warms up before a game against the Tampa Bay Lightning at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
Changes are needed to fix the Detroit Red Wings after the 2025-26 season. With a 5-3 loss at home last weekend to the New Jersey Devils, âHockeytownâ was eliminated from Stanley Cup playoff contention. The worst part is that this makes it a full decade since they have been to the postseason. To say that this season was a failure would be an understatement.
The team had at least an 80% chance to make the playoffs for most of the year. They are the second team ever in NHL history to have 69 points in 53 games and miss the postseason. The slip began after coming back from the Olympic break. Since then, theyâve posted an 8-11-2 record while struggling to finish games late.
The âYzerplanâ Problems
While there are many places to point fingers, most should be directed at the teamâs general manager. Since being hired on April 19, 2019, Steve Yzermanâs plan to revive the original six franchise hasnât worked out. He has brought in top-tier talents like Moritz Seider (2019), Lucas Raymond (2020), Simon Edvinsson (2021), and Sebastian Cossa (2021). Despite those additions, along with Dylan Larkin and Alex DeBrincat, the club hasnât had its first taste of Stanley Cup playoff action in this era.
Yzerman has put the Red Wings in the unpleasant position of the âmushy middle.â There are glaring reasons that have led to the team stalling out with him in charge. Some failed free agent signings like Andrew Copp, Ben Chiarot, and J.T. Compher did not provide expected results, filling the roster with average talent rather than high-impact players. While drafting is considered a strength, the slow, cautious integration of top prospects has hindered immediate progress.
What Changes Are Needed in Detroit
Some form of change must come for Detroit in order to avoid more continuous mediocrity. Unless ownership decides to go into a new direction, Yzerman will have to retool this team to ultimately save his job. They need to add scoring depth for the forward core and the backend as well. Heâll also have to address the goaltending position yet again.
While John Gibson had a strong season overall in his first year with the team, he needs more support in a tandem. Cam Talbot will be a UFA, and they need an upgrade. While itâs likely prospect Sebastian Cossa takes Talbotâs spot next year, they should still be open to someone via free agency/trade. Either way, the pipes need some more help.
The 2025-26 season was the teamâs 100th campaign. While their centennial jerseys were a big hit, the product on the ice wasnât as much. Changes are needed to fix the Detroit Red Wings, and this offseason is particularly important.
If things donât improve, the organization will become the definition of insanity: doing the same thing over and over, knowing the result.
The post The Detroit Red Wings Need Major Changes This Offseason appeared first on The Lead.
Q&A
Why did the Detroit Red Wings miss the playoffs in the 2025-26 season?
The Red Wings missed the playoffs due to a poor performance after the Olympic break, finishing with an 8-11-2 record and failing to secure enough wins despite a strong start.
How long has it been since the Detroit Red Wings made the playoffs?
It has been ten years since the Detroit Red Wings last made the playoffs, marking a decade-long absence from postseason play.
What is the significance of the Red Wings' 69 points in 53 games?
The Red Wings' 69 points in 53 games is historically significant as they are only the second team in NHL history to achieve this and still miss the postseason.
What changes are expected for the Detroit Red Wings this offseason?
Major changes are anticipated for the Red Wings this offseason as the team seeks to address their performance issues and improve their chances of making the playoffs in the future.
