LoginRed Wings return to action hoping to end playoff drought
The Detroit Red Wings celebrate 100 years of hockey in the Motor City. The team started playing as the Cougars in 1926, changed their name to the Falcons in 1930, and settled on their present identity in 1932.
The Wings have won 11 Stanley Cups, more than any U.S.-based franchise. The last time they hoisted it was 2008.
It’s been 10 years since Detroit qualified for the National Hockey League playoffs, the longest postseason drought in franchise history.
They might break that streak this season.
Youth is served
Detroit Free Press hockey writer Helene St. James says several young players could help the Wings fly in 2025-26.
One of those players is Axel Sandin-Pellikka, a 20-year-old defenseman from Sweden. St. James says the rookie was the team’s best player in the preseason.
“He’s such a good puck handler,” she says. “I think there’s potential there for him to have a huge impact.”
St. James says two other rookies impressed her in training camp. Michael Brandsegg-Nygård of Norway and Alberta’s Emmitt Finnie are also 20. All three made the regular season roster.
Who’ll stop the puck?
Fans should also keep an eye on the team’s new goaltender, John Gibson. The 12-year veteran signed with Detroit after playing his entire career for the Anaheim Ducks.
The 32-year-old Gibson played 29 games for the Ducks last season and will split time with returning goalie Cam Talbot.
St. James says the Wings hope Gibson will stabilize the position and maybe take over as their top netminder.
“It’s been such a carousel for them the past four, five, six seasons,” she says. “Goalies come in, goalies go out.”
McLellan’s first full season
Head coach Todd McLellan will decide who plays and when. He took over the team in the middle of last season after General Manager Steve Yzerman fired Derek Lalonde.
The Wings strung together two 7-game winning streaks under McLellan but lost 17 of their last 28 contests and missed the playoffs.
Despite that, St. James says the players believe in McLellan and showed a high level of energy in training camp.
“He had them scrimmaging right from the get-go,” she says. “They buy into what he wants them to do.”
The Red Wings open the 2025-26 campaign on Thursday, Oct. 9 vs. the Montreal Canadiens at Little Caesars Arena.
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