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Some question marks are always there for the Detroit Red Wings ahead of season
Photo credit: ESPN
As the offseason draws to a close, the Detroit Red Wings, under general manager Steve Yzerman, have welcomed several new faces, setting the stage for an intriguing 2024-25 season.
However, several key questions remain as training camp approaches.
Who's the man in the net for the 2024-25 season?
A major area of uncertainty is the goaltending situation. With Ville Husso's injury struggles last season and James Reimer's departure, Yzerman has added two new goalies: Jack Campbell and Cam Talbot. While Campbell is expected to support Sebastian Cossa primarily in Grand Rapids, Talbot and Husso will likely contest the backup spot.
A major area of uncertainty is the goaltending situation. With Ville Husso's injury struggles last season and James Reimer's departure, Yzerman has added two new goalies: Jack Campbell and Cam Talbot. While Campbell is expected to support Sebastian Cossa primarily in Grand Rapids, Talbot and Husso will likely contest the backup spot.
The Red Wings benefited from having three goalies last season due to Husso's injuries, but Yzerman seems inclined to avoid that this year. Coming off a strong season with Los Angeles, Talbot and a healthy Husso could make for a competitive battle.
What will the defence look like with all the changes in the offseason?
Defensively, Yzerman had noted the need for improvement but did not make any headline moves. Instead, he signed Erik Gustafsson and re-signed prospect Albert Johansson. Gustafsson will aim to replace Shayne Gostisbehere while Johansson competes for a roster spot.
Defensively, Yzerman had noted the need for improvement but did not make any headline moves. Instead, he signed Erik Gustafsson and re-signed prospect Albert Johansson. Gustafsson will aim to replace Shayne Gostisbehere while Johansson competes for a roster spot.
The pairing with Moritz Seider is a key question—likely candidates include Ben Chiarot, Simon Edvinsson, and Jeff Petry. The final defensive pairing remains uncertain, especially with Justin Holl and Johansson vying for the last spot.
What's up with the offensive weapons?
With a strong forward group, the main challenge is line combinations. Dylan Larkin and Lucas Raymond are expected to stay together, but the configuration of the other lines is up for debate. Derek Lalonde might pair Vladimir Tarasenko with Larkin and Raymond or keep Alex DeBrincat and Patrick Kane together on a different line. Training camp and preseason performance will help determine the final forward lines.
With a strong forward group, the main challenge is line combinations. Dylan Larkin and Lucas Raymond are expected to stay together, but the configuration of the other lines is up for debate. Derek Lalonde might pair Vladimir Tarasenko with Larkin and Raymond or keep Alex DeBrincat and Patrick Kane together on a different line. Training camp and preseason performance will help determine the final forward lines.
With these questions lingering, the period between training camp and preseason will be crucial in sorting out the Red Wings roster. Fans hope the new lineup will help end the team's playoff drought and bring a successful season.
Source: The Hockey Writers
Red Wings' Question Marks Heading Into the 2024-25 Season
Red Wings' Question Marks Heading Into the 2024-25 Season
| POLL | ||
AOUT 8 | 72 ANSWERS Some question marks are always there for the Detroit Red Wings ahead of season Do you think the Detroit Red Wings will make the playoffs in the 2024-25 season? | ||
| Yes | 63 | 87.5 % |
| No | 9 | 12.5 % |
| List of polls | ||