Why Berggren May Be Critical to Detroit’s Success in 2024-25 (+)

Last season, the Red Wings acted as if they weren’t sure they wanted Jonatan Berggren. This season, it seems like they can’t live without him.

It’s still up in the air if he can earn a critical role on the Red Wings’ roster. But it seems clear that he boasts the best potential to help Detroit replace the 75 goals it lost through trades and free agency this season. He scored two goals in 12 games for Detroit in 2023-24. But he possesses a scoring touch that would allow him to net 25 goals.

Berggren is only player on the roster that can offer this level of growth in production. Mostly, the Red Wings will try to make up the lost goals by hoping Patrick Kane goes from 20 to 25 and Alex DeBrincat goes from 27 to 32. Maybe Simon Edvinsson scores five or six and Eric Gustafsson adds six or seven.