The Detroit Red Wings dream of finally turning the tide after years of dismaying results in the NHL. Ahead of Todd McLellan’s first full-season as head coach in Motor City, the organization may be preparing a bold move. As a result, Patrick Kane might see a two-time Stanley Cup champion leave the locker room.
The Red Wings are in desperate need of experiencing Stanley Cup Playoffs for the first time since the 2015-16 NHL season. Next season will be the tenth anniversary since fans in Detroit watched meaningful hockey in the spring. Just the thought is enough to set Motor City ablaze with embarrassment.
An Original Six franchise which boasts 11 Stanley Cups in its trophy cabinet, has not made the postseason in almost a decade. Despite featuring talents like Kane, who has hoisted the Cup thrice, it seems no decorated roster is ever good enough for Detroit. Determined to change the tune, McLellan might have an ace under his sleeve.
Vladimir Tarasenko, the two-time Stanley Cup champion, is entering a contract year after a rough campaign with Detroit. Tarasenko joined the Red Wings on a two-year, $9.5M contract after hoisting the Cup with the Florida Panthers in 2024. However, his production hasn’t been on par with the expectations, and the organization in Motown might be looking to part ways.
Vladimir Tarasenko #11 of the Detroit Red Wings is introduced before a game against the Pittsburgh Penguins at Little Caesars Arena on October 10, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan.
According to reports from insider David Pagnotta from The Fourth Period, Tarasenko is one name to keep an eye on during the month of June and heading to the 2025 NHL entry Draft. “His name is out there again and the Detroit Red Wings are exploring the market,” Pagnotta said.
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Patrick Kane’s Red Wings add proven championship goalie in bold move ahead of next NHL season
All but a done deal
As the Red Wings decide the next step regarding Tarasenko, they cannot overlook Kane’s situation. The 36-year-old winger will become an UFA on July 1st. Although all signs point towards a new deal being worked out, Detroit must keep an eye open for potential threats.
Welcome to the team
The Red Wings signed Czech goaltender Michal Postava to a two-year, entry-level contract ahead of the 2025-26 NHL season. Postava is coming off a sensational year with HC Kometa Brno. The 23-year-old netminder led his team to the 2025 Czech Extraliga title.
Postava cemented his place as a top product in Europe after becoming an unbreachable wall in Game 7 of the Final. Postava snuffed out all hope for the HC Dynamo Pardubice, posting a 21-save shutout performance in the winner-takes-all showdown.
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Now, Postava is off to his next challenge. Far away from his homeland, but close to his potential home in the NHL. Detroit has secured much-needed depth at a position where they’ve struggled in the past years. With Alex Lyon set to become a free agent, Postava’s arrival could be just the cushion McLellan needed in net.
