The Detroit Red Wings’ 2024–25 season is still in the works, but a lot of conjecture has been made regarding the starting lineup for the team’s October 10 home game against the Pittsburgh Penguins at Little Caesars Arena. This summer saw a substantial change in the team’s roster, and it seems the younger players will have more opportunities to earn their stripes (wings?) in the Motor City. After years of calling for the inclusion of some youth in the starting lineup, general manager Steve Yzerman believes that the fans may soon get their wish.
With the signing of restricted free agent Joe Veleno to a two-year contract last week, the Red Wings now have ten forwards under contract. Until Jonatan Berggren signs, and assuming no trade,
With that said, here are my predictions for the forward line combinations. Remember, Yzerman may not be done wheeling and dealing just yet. There’s a lot of time between now and the home opener, and if I had to guess, there will be more moves coming.
First Line – Debrincat – Larkin – Raymond
This is an obvious line to draw. The starting line-up for the season should be Lucas Raymond, Dylan Larkin, and Alex Debrincat. Though I believe that’s the combo that starts it, I’m sure there will be times—possibly even early on—when Patrick Kane and the recently acquired Vladimir Tarasenko rotate in there as well. Furthermore, why not? These three are the team’s most crucial offensive weapons going forward. With the exception of a significant addition, the trio represents the core that the organisation believes will be a part of the next wave of successful Red Wings postseason teams, even if making the playoffs will depend on an all-around team effort.According to Money, this combination produced 12.3 predicted goals for in 46 games together last season.
Larkin demonstrated his worth in the 2023–2024 campaign. In only 68 games, the captain led the team with 33 goals despite having an incredibly challenging season both on and off the ice. If he had participated in all 82 games, he had a great chance of scoring 40 goals for the first time in his career. He has always been the team’s centre of gravity. Detroit is a club that goes with the flow, as demonstrated by some of the team’s losing runs during his absence in the previous campaign.Playing alongside Larkin and Raymond, Debrincat had a scorching start to the previous season, scoring 13 points in his first seven games to rank among the league leaders at the time. However, he
Those figures seemed to disappoint a lot of supporters, especially in light of his deal, but his performance doesn’t concern me. Even though he appeared hesitant at times to fire the puck, the 26-year-old who has scored 40 goals twice doesn’t lose his touch. Raymond and Larkin together for the entire season can heal the woes of scoring. He will be alright.
Second Line – Tarasenko – Compher – Kane
Though it isn’t confirmed yet, the second line is expected. On my bingo card, J.T. Compher is centring Tarasenko and Kane. Without a doubt, Tarasenko, 32, and Kane, 35, aren’t known for their defensive regimens, so Compher’s two-way play makes sense in addition to the scoring combo. Compher is capable of handling his own on offence and should be a good compliment to both. In 77 games last season, the 29-year-old scored a career-high 19 goals. As fans should expect from the two-time Cup champion and former 40-goal scorer, Tarasenko still has a vicious, heavy shot, and Detroit is hoping they can count on him for 25–30 goals.
Kane is the wild card and a great asset to have, in my opinion. The night before free agency opened, he re-signed with the organisation, to the delight of everyone in Hockeytown. Last season, he surprised everyone in Detroit in a way that the team hadn’t seen since Pavel Datsyuk. The LCA was frequently rocking because to the energy and flair he brought to the game each night. But will he be able to build on his comeback from the feared hip surgery he underwent following the 2022–2023 season?
If he can even come close to repeating last season’s performance, which depends on that hip keeping up, it would be a huge victory for the Red Wings. I believe that’s exactly what the organisation is aiming for.
Third Line – Rasmussen – Copp – Berggren
Things start to become intriguing at this point. Right present, Berggren and Michael Rasmussen are centred by Andrew Copp. However, Berggren, a restricted free agent, has not yet signed a contract with the team as of July 23. His dissatisfaction with the organisation is well known, but as he has run out of waiver choices, he will open the season with the team if he is not traded before then.
In his 79 games with Detroit, the 24-year-old has demonstrated a reasonable level of offensive success and is ready for the NHL. In addition, he might be adaptable on the second power play unit and contribute that crucial depth scoring. I believe he is more than capable of taking Daniel Sprong’s place in the lineup if he is not traded.
Rasmussen gives the Red Wings some hope as well. Though he has steadily progressed since his rookie season, the 2017 first-round choice always seems to get hurt at the worst possible time. While he participated in 75 games the previous season, an upper-body injury kept him out of the final seven. The squad values the 6-foot-6 forward, and since joining the league, his confidence appears to have increased dramatically. Last season, he played well on a lockdown line with Christian Fischer and Copp, scoring some important goals when needed. When the club begins to play consistently in the postseason, the 25-year-old has the potential to be that Patrick Maroon sort of player.
Copp also has a compelling backstory. Before the 2022–2023 season, he inked a five-year, $28.1 million contract, although his stint in Detroit has been disappointing. Copp, an eight-year veteran, struggled in every aspect of the game last season. He was not the same player as he was with the Winnipeg Jets and New York Rangers prior to joining the Red Wings—a two-way centre who was quick, dependable defensively, and had a respectable offensive game. You would struggle to persuade me that the company hasn’t thought about purchasing his contract. For the 30-year-old native of Michigan, this is a crucial season, and he understands that.
Fourth Line – Motte – Veleno – Fischer
The most underappreciated addition to Detroit this summer was Tyler Motte. When a new team acquires a player like him, I like to visit their fan page. The vast majority of supporters of the Tampa Bay Lightning were unhappy with the fourth-line grinder’s departure. Motte’s strong, defensive style and great intensity are just what Yzerman was searching for.
In just 69 games with the Lightning last season, the Michigan native recorded 97 hits and 41 blocks. The Red Wings brass should like both him and Fischer because of their striking stylistic similarities. Although Veleno, who was just signed again, can play a variety of positions in the lineup and has some offensive potential, it seems that his potential as a bottom-six centre has been reached. I believe
Things Are on the up Hockeytown
With training camp in less than two months, Yzerman still has time to make some changes. Getting the contracts with Raymond and Moritz Seider signed, sealed, and delivered is his first priority. However, this might be the lineup for the opening night.
Berggren is the only guy that I can actually see getting traded right now. Is he a possible trade partner for a right-handed defenseman? That is conceivable. You can never be sure where Yzerman’s mind is. I liked this crop of forwards more on paper than I did coming into the previous campaign.
In my opinion, Tarasenko represents a significant improvement over David Perron. In the top six, his style will be considerably more effective. Berggren possesses the
