NHL News: Todd McLellan, Patrick Kane receive discouraging news from Red Wings star prospect ahead of next season

While star Patrick Kane and the rest of the Detroit Red Wings vie for a playoff spot in the 2024-25 NHL season, a key talent in the organization’s prospects pool announced a shocking decision that could have a big impact on Todd McLellan’s team.

Detroit is sitting three points behind the second wild card spot in the Eastern Conference, with a crucial matchup against the red-hot St. Louis Blues on April 1st.

With the organization hoping to snap its eight-season Stanley Cup Playoffs drought, nothing else seems to matter in Motor City but clinching a postseason spot. However, recent news regarding one of their top prospects will have a significant impact on McLellan‘s roster, especially in the upcoming season.

Former second-round selection during the 2023 NHL entry Draft, goaltender Trey Augustine announced he will be returning to Michigan State in the NCAA for the 2025-26 season. Augustine will be forgoing the chance to sign his entry-level contract (ELC) until the end of the Spartans’ campaign next year, as reported by College Hockey News.

Trey Augustine #1 of the Michigan State Spartans plays against the Michigan Wolverines at Little Caesars Arena on February 10, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan.

Potential star in net

Augustine’s decision could prove critical for Kane and the rest of the Red Wings during the 2025-26 season, as the team has struggled in the goaltending department in recent years.

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Throughout the current season, the Red Wings’ goalie tandem stands in 22nd and 23rd place in the NHL for goals against per game and save percentage, respectively. Augustine, who has blossomed into one of the best netminders at the collegiate level, could have come in to help address the struggles in net for McLellan’s Detroit.

March to April

Kane will look to extend his great form from March into April as he finished the third month of the year with an incredible statline, recording 17 points in 14 games, with 5 goals and 12 assists.