Back in the day, there was a time when the combination of Patrick Kane, Alex DeBrincat and Erik Gustafsson were the cause of nightmares for the Detroit Red Wings.

During the 2018-19 season, that trio were linchpins on a potent Chicago Blackhawks power play that was clicking at 20.17%. Kane led the Blackhawks in scoring that season with 44 goals and 110 points. DeBrincat was third on the club with 41 goals and 76 points. Gustafsson would enjoy a career year. He wound up with 17 goals and 60 points.

SHOWTIME Patrick Kane rockets a one-timer past Markstrom to put Detroit up 1-0.

4 game point streak for Kane. #LGRW pic.twitter.com/whyrzbtx6N

— Ryan Hana (@RyanHanaWWP) February 17, 2024

On the power play, Kane was contributing nine goals and 30 points. DeBrincat would account for a team-high 13 power-play goals. Gustafsson put up 4-14-18 numbers when Chicago was enjoying the man advantage.

Two years ago, none of the three were Red Wings. Now that they all are, that chemistry they possess on the power play is already surfacing even during training camp drills.

“Gus does find a way of transporting the puck from the blue line and giving Patrick some time,” Red Wings coach Derek Lalonde said. “He seems to find a way to bring it to the sweet spot. So there is some chemistry between those three.”

It’s one of the reasons why when defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere was opting to take his power play expertise elsewhere in the summer, Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman was setting his sights on acquiring UFA Gustafsson.

“He runs a great power play,” Detroit captain Dylan Larkin said.

Red Wings DeBrincat Raves About Gustafsson

Lalonde went to the video when determining whether Gustafsson would indeed be a good fit for his team. The study of that chicago power play proved to be eye opening.

“One of a coach’s first exercises is to watch them from their past,” Lalonde explained. “The beauty of technology in this day, you can literally pick out any time of the season.

“I watched a lot of their power play and there is some chemistry there.”

The coach didn’t need to look far to find salesmen willing to step up and pitch him on the advantages Gustafsson could bring when Detroit was in a man-advantage situation.

Red Wings were down 3-1
(Thanks thrown stick)

Come soaring back with goals from Gostisbehere, Larkin and guess who…

DEBRINCAT #LGRW 

This power play is

pic.twitter.com/NhdO3ILz0K

— Jim Costa (@JimCosta_) October 25, 2023

“I think he’s a great passer on the power play and off the power play,” DeBrincat said of Gustafsson. “I think he’s a guy that can really make that first pass out of the zone.

“He’s very deceptive. On the power play you may think he’s shooting, but then he’s giving a nice pass over for a one timer. So I think he adds that aspect of it.”

That deception in Gustafsson’s game is also what Kane finds most enticing.

“He was so deceptive up top, really knows how to run the top, maybe as good as anyone I played with, to be honest with you,” Kane said. “He was a key component to our power play.”

The Red Wings are hopeful that the Chicago trio will be key components to their power play this season.

The post Can Gustafsson, Kane And DeBrincat Rediscover Chicago Chemistry With Red Wings? appeared first on Detroit Hockey Now.

This season, the Detroit Red Wings might just be giving the fanbase something they’ve been longing to witness.

A playoff berth?

Well, that, too.

However, in this instance we’re talking about a defensive pairing of Moritz Seider with Simon Edvinsson. Red Wings coach Derek Lalonde is hinting that it could very well be happening at some point during the 2024-25 NHL campaign.

“I still think our top four, even some of our D pairs, will be fluid,” Lalonde said. “Probably like to see Simon and Mo together a little bit.”

Edvinsson #LGRW pic.twitter.com/Jm9hbV9h0H

— Red Wings Prospects (@LGRWProspects) September 22, 2024

Seider, the sixth player chosen in the 2019 NHL entry draft and Edvinson, chosen sixth overall in 2021, are going to be the cornerstones of the Detroit defense going forward. And Lalonde appears ready to cement that status sooner rather than later.

As Edvinsson prepares for his first full season in Detroit, the coach is opening up the opportunity for him to be one of the players driving the bus for the Red Wings.

“I see him in a top four (role) and we’ll kind of let it play out from there,” Lalonde said of Edvinsson. “Hopefully, he can even eat minutes. If he’s got it going one night we might be a little fluid with our top four.

“If he earns more minutes, he’ll get more minutes. We’re going to play to win and if he is the guy that earns those minutes to help us out down the stretch, he’ll get those minutes.”

Pairings Likely to Start Out The Same

To start out with, it’s likely that Detroit’s top two defensive pairings will look the same as what finished out last season. Seider will be with Ben Chiarot and Edvinsson with Jeff Petry. However, that, much like the TV listings, will be subject to change,

“Benny and Petry have had some experience together,” Lalonde said. Chiarot and Patry were a tandem during Montreal’s drive to the 2021 Stanley Cup final.

“I think that top four will be fluid, and if anyone else can play their way into that conversation, we’d be happy to see that, too,” Lalonde said.

Seider Back For Red Wings On Tuesday

The first order of business will be getting Seider back up to speed. Fresh from signing a seven-year pact that will pay him $8.55 million per season, he’ll be arriving from Germany and back on the ice with the Red Wings in time for Tuesday’s first practice in Detroit.

Even missing four days of work in Traverse City is enough to set Seider back in comparison to the rest of the group.

IT’S MO-TOWN, BABY

The #RedWings have signed Moritz Seider to a seven-year contract with an AAV of $8,550,000. pic.twitter.com/WuZRSGRC3z

— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) September 19, 2024

“You can see obviously 100% you saw the intensity of our first three days,” Lalonde said. “There’s value to that. Probably even some science to that.

“You know, you kind of get your workloads elevated a little bit that you’re probably going to work off throughout the year, so he’ll have some catch up to do. But I’m sure we’ve got a couple eager assistant coaches that would love that assignment.”

The post Simon With Mo? Red Wings May Make It Happen appeared first on Detroit Hockey Now.

Norwegian Michael Brandsegg-Nygard’s mastery over English idioms may be more challenging than learning what Detroit Red Wings coach Derek Lalonde wants out of him defensively.

“He still battles with the language barrier, which is real,” Lalonde said. “I think North American hockey is a little bit of an adjustment, a little more time and space is probably what he’s used to. I thought he did very well and improved as the camp went on (in Traverse City). He’ll get some preseason games here, which will be important.”

Even if the Red Wings send 2024 first-round pick Brandsegg-Nygard back to his Swedish team Skelleftea, their decision to bring him to training camp will have been a beneficial and educational experience.

After a practice Tuesday in Detroit, the Red Wings will start their preseason schedule Wednesday with a road game against the Chicago Blackhawks. They then play the Blackhawks Friday at Little Caesars Arena.

These preseason games are particularly important for Detroit’s top prospects, such as Marco Kasper, Nate Danielson, Carter Mazur, Albert Johansson, Amadeus Lombardi, Brandsegg-Nygard, or even Elmer Soderblom.  At 23, it seems like he needs a memorable showing over the next couple of weeks to get back to the NHL.

UPDATE: #RedWings Reduce Training Camp Roster by 11.

Details: https://t.co/dCM5nhn80t pic.twitter.com/qSg9snbwZu

— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) September 22, 2024

Trying to Earn a Role

The preseason games are also important for someone like Sheldon Dries, signed this summer with 122 games of NHL experience. He’s a candidate to become the new Austin Czarnik, a player who could play some games in Grand Rapids and be a call-up when the Red Wings have an injury. He was an 11-goal scorer in 63 games for the Vancouver Canucks in 2022-23.

“Sheldon was my captain in junior (on the Green Bay Gamblers),” Lalonde said. “I’ve been chasing him down in pro hockey for about eight years now. Finally got a GM to bite on it, in a good way. I really appreciate the player, appreciate the human being. He adds to that depth. I would be extremely comfortable in a call-up situation anytime. You can trust him at center, you can trust him at wing, you can trust him in every special teams situation. Just a really valuable person for our organization.”

The preseason game will also help Lalonde sort out what the team has with summer free agent signee Jakub Rychlovsky, who led the Czech League last season with 26 goals. Detroit also still has eight goalies in camp after Sunday’s cuts.

The Red Wings now have 57 players in camp after making 11 roster cuts on Monday.  The Red Wings cut goalie draft pick Landon Miller (126th, 2024), returning him to his Soo Greyhounds team in the Ontario Hockey League. The other players released were all on amateur tryouts: forwards Brayden Edwards, Chase Lefebvre, Charlie Paquette and Borya Valis, and defensemen Bauer Dumanski, Marcus Kearsey, Zackary Sandhu, Blake Smith, Josh Van Mulligen and Matthew Virgilio.

The post Red Wings Auditions Start in Wednesday’s First Preseason Game appeared first on Detroit Hockey Now.

It’s been three days since it was reported that former Red Wings and Edmonton Oilers GM Ken Holland was in discusion for a possible role with the transplanted Utah team.

Thus far there’s no indication whether that will happen or not.

Given Holland’s years of experience, such a move would certainly make sense. There’s certainly a history of some former GMs serving in an advisory capacity. For example, former Sharks GM Doug Wilson is a senior advisor of hockey operations in Pittsburgh. Former Kings and Sharks GM Dean Lombardi is with the Philadelphia Flyers as an advisor. Former Montreal GM Marc Bergevin landed as an advisor in Los Angeles in 2022.

Even though Detroit’s fan base was disappointed in Holland at the end of his time there, he is a Hall of Fame GM who built the Red Wings into Stanley Cup champions. Experienced voices can be important for a team trying to establish a winning culture for the first time.

What we don’t know is whether is considering retirement. He is 68 and turns 69 in November.

Return to Little Caesars

After Sunday’s Red and White in Traverse City, the Red Wings headed home to continue their training camp in Detroit. They are off today.

Edvinsson #LGRW pic.twitter.com/Jm9hbV9h0H

— Red Wings Prospects (@LGRWProspects) September 22, 2024

Red Wings In Case You Missed It

It’s possible that the Red Wings could have a lineup this season with all four of their centers having played together on the 2014-15 University of Michigan team.

Why the preseason is ultra-important for Red Wings prospects Marco Kasper and Nate Danielson.

Paywall story: Does Austin Watson have a shot at winning a Red Wings contract? What’s Ville Husso’s future? DHN explores these questions with three roster projections. To subscribe, click here.

Red Wings Extra

The Grand Rapids Griffins have unveiled a changed look to jerseys for the 2024-25 American Hockey League season.

The AHL's Grand Rapids Griffins (Red Wings affiliate) have updated their home and road uniforms for the new season, which you can check out in our story here: https://t.co/MONxE45Vzh

Here's a before and after of their white set: pic.twitter.com/FTN5LQrDRv

— SportsLogos.Net (@sportslogosnet) September 20, 2024

Hockey Now Network

Boston: Hard-hitting Mark Kastelic is already making an impression on his team. Boston Bruins.  

Montreal: Marc Dumont writes that players groupings at training camp provide hints for the first cut by the Montreal Canadiens. 

Philadelphia: Five forwards age 25 and younger had multiple-point games in a 6-2 preseason win against Washington. Jonathan Bailey writes younger players are already taking over on the Philadelphia Flyers. 

San Jose: Sheng Peng writes that Macklin Celebrini was “dazzling” in San Jose’s loss to the Vegas Golden Knights in their preseason opener. San Jose Sharks. 

The post The Daily: No Word on Holland to Utah; Red Wings U-M Connection appeared first on Detroit Hockey Now.

It’s entirely possible that this season, the Detroit Red Wings will be coloring their center position maize and blue. Depending upon how they opt to slot their lines, the center on each of Detroit’s four forward units could be a former Michigan Wolverines player.

If that’s not bizarre enough, all four of them were teammates on the same Michigan squad in 2014-15.

“Yeah, it’s interesting,” admitted Tyler Motte, the newest addition to this quartet of ex-Wolverines. “I mean, I’m sure it’s an option for the staff. I think we’ll let them sort that out.

“It does show what Michigan hockey’s produced over the last few years and even, I guess, decades now, but it’s a pretty unique situation.”

Let the fun begin! #LGRW

: Motte – https://t.co/9pdNOo4Ygm
: Husso – https://t.co/5aPAaXkQFk
: Kasper – https://t.co/sCytaeMpIH
: Newsy – https://t.co/7vm7jAFulc pic.twitter.com/cyBcCCcWHK

— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) September 21, 2024

Captain Dylan Larkin will certainly be Detroit’s No. 1 center. Behind him, J.T. Compher is slotting in as No. 2 center, with Andrew Copp pivoting the third line. Motte, a summer addition as a UFA, is looking like he’ll be at center on the fourth line.

On that 2014-15 Michigan squad, Larkin (47), Copp (31) and Motte (31) were 2-3-4 in points. Compher was eighth in scoring with 24 points for the Wolverines. As far as goal scoring, Larkin (15) was second, Copp (14) third, Compher (12) fifth and Motte (nine) seventh.

Red Wings Brass Aren’t Michigan Men

Earlier this summer, Yzerman made it abundantly clear that he hasn’t suddenly become a Michigan man. He’s not bringing these guys to Detroit for sentimental reasons.

“We don’t care where the players are from,” Yzerman said. “That they’re from the area is nice, but most importantly, we’re trying to build a good team on the ice.”

Even since arriving in Detroit three years ago, Red Wings coach Derek Lalonde was making it equally clear that Motte was a player he covets.

F Tyler Motte will wear jersey number 14 for the Detroit Red Wings. Number last worn by Robby Fabbri in 2023-24. #LGRW pic.twitter.com/hxxOBf5E4E

— NHL Jersey Numbers (@NHLNewNumbers) August 16, 2024

“I watched a lot of him in the league,” Lalonde said. “It’s someone we’ve talked about the last few years around that free agency time.

“I like the player.”

Suiting up all four centers from the same college hockey team certainly makes for an interesting anecdote. It isn’t why they are Red Wings, though.

A much more compelling story to tell would be if these four Michigan men were playing a role in leading Michigan’s NHL team back to the promised land of the Stanley Cup playoffs.

The post Red Wings Could Be Maize And Blue Down The Middle appeared first on Detroit Hockey Now.

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The post Three Red Wings Roster Projections (+) appeared first on Detroit Hockey Now.

A DHN Saturday story established that Derek Lalonde wants to make sure Ville Husso receives enough preseason playing time to shake off the rust. Even though Derek Lalonde wants to look at all of his goalies before deciding on a starter for the Detroit Red Wings opener, he will make sure Husso will play start to finish in at least one preseason game.

He hasn’t played a full game since December. Husso did play one game in February, but only lasted 8:48 minutes before injury forced him to leave.

These preseason games are important to the Red Wings because Lalonde has significant decisions to make about line combinations, goalie usage and which rookies will make the team. Everything matters when you are trying to land one of 16 playoff spots in a 32-team league.

“So it’s going to be a little bit of all of that,” Lalonde said. “We probably want to see some lines together, especially talking about how fluid it might be. We want to see some special teams together, but at the same time we want to give a really good luck and we want to see those young players. So there’s going to be all of that going on. It gets a little complicated…And obviously we want to play our young guys a lot.”

That approach starts at noon today when the Red Wings host the annual Red and White Intrasquad game at noon today. These are important opportunities for players like Marco Kasper or Nate Danielson to make their case to earn a spot on the roster.

Lucas Raymond on the mic! pic.twitter.com/MC1MJ1XLtn

— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) September 21, 2024

Red Wings In Case You Missed It

Bob Duff believes this season’s top six forwards could deliver 165 goals this season with the addition of Vladimir Tarasenko and Patrick Kane playing a full season. That would be a 12-goal improvement over last season.

The Red Wings are looking to add toughness to the lineup and that could mean Austin Watson or Isaac Ratcliffe have a shot at making the team as a PTO.

Behind the Paywall: DHN explores defenseman Albert Johansson‘s potential to crack the Red Wings’ top six. He may have to battle his way into a playing spot even if he makes the roster. It’s a crowded field. To buy a yearly subscription to our paywall stories, click here.

Red Wings Extra

Now healthy enough to play, Red Wings prospect Axel Sandin Pellikka scored his first goal in Skelleftea’s first Swedish Hockey League game this season. It was the only goal of the game for the injury-riddled Skellftea squad. Malmo was a 4-1 winner in the game

Did Axel Sandin-Pellikka score the his and Skellefteå's first goal of the season?

Of course he did!

Mr. Automatic from that spot.#LGRW pic.twitter.com/XgXxmFT11F

— Lars Thorsell (@LarsThorsell) September 21, 2024

Hockey Now Network

Chicago: The Blackhawks’ expectations for Lukas Reichel are extremely high. Chicago Blackhawks.

Montreal: The Canadiens have some complications to address before finalizing their roster. Montreal Canadiens.

New Jersey: James Nichols writes a paywall story on why Tomas Tatar will be even better in his second tour of duty with the Devils. He played for the Seattle Kraken last season. New Jersey Devils.

New York Islanders: A one- on-one interview with with Indiana native prospect Aidan Fulp, a defenseman, who is drawing attention in training camp. He’s a bruising defender. New York Islanders.

Pittsburgh: Jesse Puljujarvi netted a hat trick in first Penguins preseason game. Coach Mike Sullivan was impressed. Pittsburgh Penguins. 

The post The Daily: Why Preseason Is Important for Red Wings; Noon Scrimmage appeared first on Detroit Hockey Now.

When it comes to playing Detroit Red Wings preseason games, Ville Husso may have priority status. He should be in Group 1 when coach Derek Lalonde loads the lineup.

Husso looks fully recovered from last season’s injury problems. But he has not played a 60-minute NHL game since Dec. 12. That was more than nine months ago. He had plenty of time for rust to build up.

“He’s gonna need reps and he’s gonna need live reps and obviously we’ll get some opportunity within practice,”  Lalonde said. “..It’s something we’re conscious of as a group, not only getting him reps, but with the amount of goalies we have in rotating through, getting some really good reps and some live reps.”

Lalonde will have Sunday’s Red and White intrasquad game, plus eight preseason games to determine Husso’s readiness.

Those games are critical because Lalonde is hosting an open competition to start the season as the team’s No. 1 goalie. He has four goalies (Ville Husso, Alex Lyon, Cam Talbot and Jack Campbell) with NHL experience.

Husso, Lyon and Talbot are the prime competitors, with Campbell projecting to at least start the season in Grand Rapids. But if the Red Wings have injuries, he certainly could end up in Detroit’s mix.

“It is a true clean slate,” Lalonde said. “I think over the last two years, all three of those goalies, when I say those three goalies, we kind of have a vision. Ville, Cam and Alex have had really nice stretches in this league. Proved they can win in this league and we’ll look for one to step up. You know, Jack has obviously done that also. So obviously we have some numbers in camp, which is a little unique, but it’s a positive.”

Two Divided by Three

The Red Wings had three goalies parent club roster last season, and it worked for them. But it comes with problems in practice because there are only two nets.

“Wasn’t ideal,” Lalonde said. “That same question you had on some reps and getting the nets at times. But again, it saved our season. So it’s going to be a healthy competition. It’s going to be wide open and it’s a clean slate.”

Husso said Saturday that he was feeling good.

“It’s always, always tough not playing, especially last year, that second injury, kind of like you just want to get out there and then you’re not ready to go,” Husso said. “But at least I got some extra time this summer rehabbing and training and stuff. So. Feel good now and excited to play some preseason games. “

Husso passed the eye test with those who saw him in the informal summer skates and the opening two days of training camp.

Having him on the ice this summer, he’s looking good, he’s back healthy,” Red Wings Alex DeBrincat said. “I think you maybe have to talk to him about how he feels, but he looks good.”

DeBrincat has seen indications of Husso being his pre-injury self.

“I think he’s back to hard to score on in practice, always battling, and I think those are the goalies that are maybe the most fun to play on in practice,” DeBrincat said. “Cause they’re always, they’re not gonna let you just put it in the net on a rebound or whatever. They’re always fighting for that rebound. He’s looked great so far. I’m excited to have him back. Hopefully, he has a little bit better luck with injuries this year, so I think he’ll be a big part of our team.

The post Preseason Games Most Critical For Ville Husso appeared first on Detroit Hockey Now.

Former Michigan State standout defenseman Artyom Levshunov, the No. 2 pick in the June draft, will be sidelined another four weeks because of a right foot injury.

The Belarus native was hurt blocking a shot while training Sept. 11.

“If everything goes well with his next (doctor) visit, in the next seven days, he can start skating at least. So I think he’ll be looking forward to that,” Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson told NHL.com. “He’s around the facility. We kind of have to kick him out most days but yeah, he’s super eager to go. He’s pretty disappointed but he’s able to do a lot of other training, so it’s not like he’s sitting around, sedentary, doing nothing.”

Levshunov was the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year last season. The 18-year-old was the third-youngest player in college hockey in 2023-24, and did plenty to help out Red Wings premium prospect Trey Augustine who was the Michigan State goalie.

GM Kyle Davidson provides an update on injured #Blackhawks Artyom Levshunov and Laurent Brossoit. pic.twitter.com/q2NlC5lqE9

— CHGO Blackhawks (@CHGO_Blackhawks) September 20, 2024

Red Wings In Case You Missed It

Bob Duff looks at the potential at the Red Wings’ top six forwards — Dylan Larkin, Lucas Raymond, Patrik Kane, etc.. How many goals can this group score?

The presence of Austin Watson and Isaac Ratcliffe in training camp on PTOs suggesst the Red Wings know they could use some toughness.

Behind the Paywall: DHN looks at Albert Johansson‘s potential to crack the Red Wings’ top six. He may have to battle his way into a playing spot even if he makes the roster. To buy a yearly subscription to our paywall stories, click here.

Red Wings Extra

Detroit prospect goalie Rudy Guimond (169th, 2023) posted a 25-save shutout to  help the Cedar Rapids Roughriders upend the Omaha Lancers, 4-0. He was the game’s No. 1 star. The Quebec native is committed to Yale after this season.

Hockey Now Network

Boston: Tyler Johnson fired up about the opportunity he has with the Boston Bruins.

Pittsburgh: Rutger McGroarty showing what all the fuss is about at Pittsburgh’s training camp. Pittsburgh Penguins. 

San Jose: Defenseman Mario Ferraro says the Sharks owe it to fans to produce a much better season than they had in 2023-24. San Jose Sharks. 

Washington: T.J. Oshie says that he is starting the season on the LTIR because of his chronic back injury. Washington Capitals.

The post The Daily: Ex-Michigan State Star To Miss Preseason; Watson Update appeared first on Detroit Hockey Now.

It’s the No. 1 lament of the Detroit Red Wings faithful. Who’s going to make up for the lost goals?

The departure of 75 goals from the club’s lineup is well documented. Going out the door since season’s end were Daniel Sprong (18), David Perron (17), Robby Fabbri (18), Jake Walman (12) and Shayne Gostisbehere (10).

Those who will be tasked with leading the way for the team in terms of goal scoring this season don’t seem to think that they’ll be taxed too much to make up for the absent tallies.

“I don’t think that’s necessarily a concern,” said Alex DeBrincat, author of 27 goals last season. “I think we should be ready to play and hopefully ready to score a lot of goals.”

Debrincat scores his 13th goal of the year. 4-2 Red Wings pic.twitter.com/kdLrijM0VT

— Marc Dumont (@MarcPDumont) December 3, 2023

Certainly, Detroit is going to be able to put out two top lines that should prove formidable when it comes time to light the lamp. IT’s onyl training camp, but the top-six forwards set out by coach Derek Lalonde are telling.

He’s keeping DeBrincat with captain Dylan Larkin (33 goals) and Lucas Raymond (31 goals). They were a potent unit last season.

“I think all of us are looking to grow, too,” DeBrincat said. “All the guys that came back were looking to improve and be better players and obviously, hopefully score more goals.”

A two-time 41-goal scorer with Chicago, it’s interesting to note that last season was considered to be an off year in terms of output for DeBrincat.

Tarasenko, Kane Are Wild Cards For Red Wings

The second line has J.T. Compher between Patrick Kane and newcomer Vladimir Tarasenko. Kane was a 20-goal scorer in 50 games after signing with the Wings in December. If you pro rate Kane’s goal output last season over 82 games, he’d be a 30-goal man.

Showtime is back: Patrick Kane scores his first goal with the Detroit Red Wings. #Blackhawks pic.twitter.com/rwPlxly8dv

— Charlie Roumeliotis (@CRoumeliotis) December 10, 2023

Tarasenko is a multiple 30+ sniper during his NHL career. He once netted 40 goals. However, last season he was good for 23.

Still, with one of the greatest passers in the history of the game in Kane to distribute the puck to him, there’s cause to believe that Tarasenko could get back to somewhere near the 34 goals he scored for St. Louis in 2021-22.

“I think he’s a great shooter and he’s similar to DeBrincat in the way where he’s able to find open areas and get his shot off quickly,” Kane said of Tarasenko. “So, hopefully if I’m controlling the puck I can find him in certain areas where he can have a good chance to score.”

Larkin is also viewing Tarasenko as an X-factor when it comes to what he can bring to the Wings.

“I didn’t watch much of the first part of the playoffs, but obviously watched a lot of the finals and later rounds,” Larkin said. “And I watched Florida play and Vladi stuck out to me,” Larkin said. “I think him and Kaner can really click with Kaner’s playmaking ability and Vlad’s finishing and also Vlad’s forecheck. He can get on pucks and be very hard to play against.

“So I’m very excited to watch that line and how it goes throughout the season.”

Last season, this group of six was good for a combined 153 goals. It doesn’t seem like too much of a stretch for them to up that total to at least 165 goals this season.

The post How Many Goals Will Red Wings Top Six Score? appeared first on Detroit Hockey Now.