The upcoming 2025-2026 National Hockey League season will kick off in a week. Detroit will mark its centennial milestone as they face off against Montreal Canadiens at Little Caesars Arena on October 9. Throughout the regular season, the Red Wings will sport a special centennial jersey for over a dozen home games, including the season opener.
The centennial celebration will feature a red carpet entrance for fans, who will receive centennial rally towels and have the chance to explore historical team displays and banners showcasing the franchise’s timeline. Before the season opener, Detroit will wrap up their preseason with two games against the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Established in 1926 as part of the NHL’s Original Six, the team underwent name changes before becoming the Red Wings in 1932.
In terms of performance expectations, Detroit’s nine-year playoff drought might persist in the upcoming season. The team’s potential breakthrough largely hinges on winger Lucas Raymond or defenseman Moritz Seider emerging as standout players. Notable offseason acquisitions include backup goaltender John Gibson, veteran James van Riemsdyk, and forward Mason Appleton.
Key strengths include a lineup of reliable scorers like Raymond, Dylan Larkin, Alex DeBrincat, Patrick Kane, and Marco Kasper. Seider’s consistent presence and talent on the blue line have been a stabilizing force for the team. The experienced goaltending duo of Gibson and Cam Talbot also adds depth to the roster.
Despite the positives, General Manager Steve Yzerman has faced challenges in reinvigorating the team since his appointment in 2019. The absence of a prominent superstar player, following Nicklas Lidstrom’s retirement in 2012, continues to be a notable gap in the roster.
Players to keep an eye on this season include Gibson, who is expected to take on a more prominent role as the primary goalie. Raymond’s performance will be crucial for the team’s success, along with promising defenseman Simon Edvinsson, who showcased potential in his rookie year.
Patrick Kane is nearing a significant career milestone, with 32 points away from breaking the NHL’s all-time record for points by a U.S.-born player.
