Red Wings defenseman's injury alters playoff push in 2024-25 season

The Red Wings are currenting fighting to reach an NHL playoff spot, as they sit in sixth place for a Wild Card spot in the Eastern Conference, and amid their challenging NHL season, the team's overall success has now taken a drastic and worrying turn and has ultimately been further complicated as one of their key-defenseman's will be out long-term.

The team was seemingly poised for a strong finish earlier this season but have taken an unexpected turn, as they've lost eight in the last 10 games which were all in regulation.

Initially, the loss of Erik Gustafsson, a key-player on the Red Wings' blue line, raised questions about Detroit's ability to bounce back and squeeze their way into the playoffs.

However, the team's head coach, Todd McLellan, just revealed the severity of Gustffson's injury and indicated he will most likely miss the remainder of the organizations regular season.

The blueliner's absence leaves a significant void in the Red Wings' defense, as his experience and stability is a major necessity to Detroit's overall success and strength.

According to Bultman, Simon Edvinsson is most likely the candidate to replace the defenseman's spot on the second power-play unit in the meantime of his absence, however, the loss of Gustaffson can unfortunately not be replaced.

Despite these unfortunate circumstances, head coach, Todd McLellan, remains hopeful for his return to be before the final games of the regular season, but the upsetting reality is that, given the organization's current struggles, there is no point to rush this key-player's recovery.

Although Gustafsson's return is uncertain, as well as whether or not the Red Wings' will push a playoff spot, the team is in need to overcome and find solutions throughout this crucial final stretch in the season.