Three Storylines That Will Define the Red Wings Heading Into 2026-27

The Detroit Red Wings are entering a pivotal 101st season, one that arrives with more uncertainty swirling around the organization than perhaps any other point in its recent history. 

The franchise is still searching for its next general manager following Steve Yzerman’s departure, its captain has publicly requested a trade, and a wave of contract-year veterans and rising prospects will be tasked with reshaping a roster that finished last season 22nd in scoring and stumbled to the finish line. 

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Add it all up, and it’s fair to say Detroit hasn’t entered a season with this many unresolved questions in years. Before puck drop, here’s a closer look at the three biggest storylines that figure to define Detroit’s season.

Dylan Larkin’s Return

Detroit’s captain situation looks increasingly unresolved as training camp approaches, with fans starting to accept that Dylan Larkin may open the season still on the roster. 

His trade request went public back in early June, and reports indicate he hasn’t budged on the limited list of teams he’d accept a deal to, leaving the Red Wings with little room to work with as they try to find a trade partner.

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There’s some precedent for a strained relationship eventually healing, as fans remember the frosty reception Sergei Fedorov faced after Detroit matched his offer sheet from Carolina in 1998, only for him to win the fanbase back by helping deliver two more Stanley Cups.

Larkin could go down a similar path to reconciliation with Red Wings fans isn’t out of the question. It leaves plenty of open questions heading into camp like whether Larkin sits out, whether he keeps the captaincy, and how he performs with more scrutiny on him than ever before.

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Contract Years for Key Players

The Red Wings enter 2026-27 with several contract situations hanging over the roster, all against the backdrop of a franchise still searching for its next general manager.

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Justin Faulk, acquired at a steep cost from St. Louis, is entering the final year of his deal and will need to bounce back after a rough finish to last season if he hopes to cash in on his next contract, while also serving as a veteran mentor for Detroit’s young defensive core. 

Andrew Copp, a Michigan native who signed with his hometown team in 2022, is also entering a contract year, bringing defensive reliability, leadership and will look to build off a career-best season.