Follow Michael Whitaker On X
It won’t be long now before the Detroit Red Wings begin play in the 2026-27 NHL season, and for forward Andrew Copp, it’s a contract year.
Copp, an Ann Arbor native and former Michigan Wolverines forward whom former Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman signed to a five-year contract in 2022, has centered Detroit’s top line through the early stages of Training Camp in place of the injured Dylan Larkin.
Advertisement
During Training Camp last year, Copp said in no uncertain terms that the Red Wings “had” to make the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
While Detroit put itself in a good position to do so, the team experienced yet another unraveling in March and ultimately missed the playoffs for the 10th consecutive year.
Has Copp’s mindset regarding the expectations for 2026-27 changed? Not at all.
“We can’t accept anything less,” Copp said of making the playoffs.
“I don’t think there’s any other way to look at it – what more growth can we do without making the playoffs? We’ve done all that the last three or four years since I’ve been here,” he continued. “So there’s only really one way to go.”
Advertisement
As far as his own contract status goes, he said that there are more pressing matters that have his attention at the moment.
“I have enough to concentrate on my game this year, that’s kind of where my mind’s at right now,” he said.
Bookmark The Hockey News Detroit Red Wings team site to stay connected to the latest news, game-day coverage, and player features.
Head coach Todd McLellan, who said that the top center spot belongs to Copp for now in Larkin’s absence, praised the former Wolverine’s mindset.
“I Love Playing Here”: Alex DeBrincat Emphasises Interest In Extension With Red Wings
“I Love Playing Here”: Alex DeBrincat Emphasises Interest In Extension With Red Wings Detroit Red Wings forward Alex DeBrincat can become an unrestricted free agent next summer, but he’s made it clear that his preference is to work out a contract extension.
Advertisement
“Copper is a very cerebral player, a very deep thinker about the game,” McLellan said.
“(He’ll) be a coach one day, if he wants to be,” McLellan continued. “He’s got that type of mindset. He probably didn’t have a great year as far as goals go, offense, and five-on-five, but he produced with the other two (power-play and shorthanded) in other ways. A lot of helpers, a lot of net-front stuff.”
Last season, Copp appeared in 79 games, scoring nine goals with 34 assists.
Since joining the Red Wings in 2022, Copp has tallied 41 goals with 100 assists in 296 games.
Advertisement
Never miss a story by adding us to your Google News favorites!
For action-packed issues, access to the entire magazine archive and a free issue, subscribe to The Hockey News at THN.com/free. Get the latest news and trending stories by subscribing to our newsletter here. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com or creating your own post in our community forum.
Read the full article here