Detroit is getting back to something close to a full hockey setup at Little Caesars Arena, and the timing lines up with the Red Wings’ march toward opening night roster decisions. After a months-long pause, the building is ready for the puck to drop tonight at 7:00 P.M., and the Red Wings are inching closer to sorting out who stays and who goes.
One of the biggest developments came yesterday, when former captain Dylan Larkin returned to the ice. He still won’t be ready for tonight’s preseason game, but his presence matters all the same. Getting Larkin back into the mix - especially on the power play - gives Detroit a lift as the group keeps building toward the start of the season.
That said, the roster picture is still tightening. The Red Wings waived offseason addition Wilmer Skoog and veteran defenseman William Lagesson, with the expectation that both will report to the AHL’s Grand Rapids Griffins. Skoog did chip in a goal and an assist in the preseason game against Pittsburgh, but otherwise had a quiet camp.
Detroit’s preseason scoring burst against the Penguins, when the team put up seven goals, stood out as the exception rather than the rule. The recent offensive spike doesn’t change the broader reality of the last couple of seasons, and the Wings are still working through what their lineup will actually look like when games start counting.
Tonight’s matchup should also offer the first look at the Red Wings’ de-facto top line of Andrew Copp, Lucas Raymond, and Alex DeBrincat. They’ll be facing a Buffalo Sabres team described as highly talented, though Detroit will be missing offseason trade acquisition Owen Zellweger after he was injured the other night.
The preseason has already delivered its first notable setback for Detroit in another area. 2025 first-round pick Carter Bear suffered an injury against Pittsburgh. He wasn’t expected to make the roster, but he was projected to be a top-six contributor for the Grand Rapids Griffins in the AHL this season.
“Bear has an upper body injury, which is probably day-to-day ora week, is what we think. Obviously Larkin is still hurt, said McLellan, “[Chase] Stillman, who came into training camp with an off-season injury, still
hasn’t been cleared.”
Both Larkin and Stillman have returned to practice, but neither has taken part in heavy contact drills.
In Other News...
Simon Edvinsson Contract Talks Put Early Focus On Red Wings Camp
With camp opening, the Red Wings have one of their most important young defensemen in the building while his next contract remains a central talking point. Simon Edvinsson is taking part in training camp, and for now Detroit is getting the benefit of having him around as the team sorts through what comes next for a player who has become a key part of the blue-line picture.
The bigger issue is the shape of the deal itself, with discussions continuing and the stakes pointing well beyond a short-term solution. A long-term contract would carry major financial weight for Detroit, and the sides are still working through a path that reflects Edvinssons role and future value without making the process any simpler for a team trying to settle its roster early. [Read more 🡒]
Larkins Return Puts One Red Wings Decision Back In Focus
Dylan Larkin was back on the ice with the Red Wings at practice after missing the start of training camp, a welcome sight for a team trying to get its footing early in the season. His absence had been tied to an upper-body injury suffered during an off-ice workout, and Detroit has been careful not to rush the process while it sorts through the rest of camp.
Larkins return also pushes one lingering organizational question back into view. Detroit had previously removed him as captain, but the club has said he could still remain with the team for the entire season, leaving his status as one of the more notable unresolved decisions around the roster as camp continues. [Read more 🡒]
Dylan Larkins Preseason Status Suddenly Matters Even More For Detroit
The Red Wings' preseason picture got a little clearer and a little more complicated at the same time. Buffalos defensive depth took a hit when Mattias Samuelsson went down with a lower-body injury and will be out on a week-to-week basis, while Olen Zellweger also landed in concussion protocol after an upper-body injury. For Detroit, the bigger immediate note came from head coach Todd McLellan, who said Dylan Larkin is progressing in his recovery and is inching closer to a return.
That matters because Larkins preseason timetable has become one of the more closely watched storylines in camp, especially with Detroit trying to sort out its lineup and get its top center back into game shape. McLellan indicated Larkin could be available for the preseason finale against Columbus, which would give the Red Wings one more chance to see him before opening night preparations really tighten up. [Read more 🡒]