4 Red Wings With Something to Prove In 2026-27 – The Hockey Writers –

With training camp set to kick off Thursday, the Detroit Red Wings hope to build upon their 2025-26 season and finally snap their playoff drought. The focus is onward and upward.

For some players, the upcoming 2026-27 campaign will be a pivotal one for their development, whether that’s proving they can take on a larger role or that they belong in the NHL. With that in mind, here are four Red Wings who have something to prove in 2026-27.

Lucas Raymond

Only 24, Lucas Raymond has already established himself as one of Detroit’s most important offensive players. Now, he needs to prove he can carry that responsibility regardless of what happens with Dylan Larkin.

Raymond has shown he can produce alongside an elite center, but the next step is demonstrating that he can consistently drive offense himself. If Larkin is no longer in Detroit, Raymond could become the team’s most important offensive catalyst. To do so, he needs to demonstrate that he can create chances, facilitate offense, and make the players around him better – in addition to scoring more himself.

His shot volume will also be worth monitoring. Raymond’s shots per 60 at five on five declined from 7.1 in 2024-25 to 6.2 in 2025-26, which raises the question about whether he can consistently put pressure on opposing defenses. He has the skill to be a high-end offensive player, but 2026-27 represents an opportunity to show he is a complete, healthy, and well-rounded forward capable of being the centerpiece of Detroit’s offense.

Marco Kasper

Center Marco Kasper enters 2026-27 with perhaps the clearest opportunity of any Red Wings forward. After spending most of last season in a bottom-six role, he needs to prove that he belongs in the team’s top six.

Kasper’s development has not followed a perfectly linear path. After showing promise as a rookie, he struggled to establish himself as a consistent offensive contributor – nine goals and 19 points in 81 games. Much of that can be attributed to his role, though, as playing in the bottom six naturally limits the quality and quantity of his offensive opportunities.

A potential Larkin trade could change that equation. If Detroit moves its captain, a significant hole would open near the top of the lineup. Kasper could be one of the players asked to fill it.

That opportunity comes with responsibility. Kasper needs to show that he can handle tougher competition, contribute offensively and remain effective away from the puck. If he can do that and build on the 0.96 ixG/60 he produced last year, Kasper could establish himself as a long-term top-six center for Detroit.

Axel Sandin-Pellikka

After spending most of the 2025-26 season in the NHL, the Red Wings ultimately sent Axel Sandin-Pellikka to the AHL around the trade deadline. His lack of strength and inexperience were concerns, particularly as he adjusted to the physical demands of the NHL.

Sandin-Pellikka has the offensive instincts, skating ability, and puck-moving skills needed to become a dynamic defenseman at the NHL level. But he needs to demonstrate that he can consistently handle NHL physicality and defensive responsibilities before that can come to fruition.

A strong 2026-27 season would go a long way toward proving that Sandin-Pellikka is not simply a talented prospect, but a legitimate NHL defenseman who can play a major role on Detroit’s blue line.

Michael Brandsegg-Nygard

Former first-round pick Michael Brandsegg-Nygard has already given the Red Wings plenty of reasons to be excited about his future. Now, he needs to prove that he can translate that potential into consistent NHL production.

Brandsegg-Nygard had a strong season in the AHL—20 goals and 44 points in 60 games—and followed it with an impressive point-per-game playoff performance. He also excelled at the World Championship, providing another indication that his game was continuing to develop.

His time with Detroit was lackluster, though, and that is the biggest question heading into 2026-27. Brandsegg-Nygard needs to show that the player who dominated stretches of the AHL season and performed well internationally can also succeed consistently against NHL competition.

The opportunity should be there. Detroit needs more size, physicality, and secondary scoring throughout its lineup. If Brandsegg-Nygard can combine those traits with the offensive growth he displayed in Grand Rapids, he could quickly become an important part of Detroit’s future.

Final Word

The Red Wings need more from their young players in 2026-27, and these four could have particularly important roles in determining how successful the season becomes. Raymond needs to establish himself as a true offensive centerpiece, while Kasper has an opportunity to move into the top six. Sandin-Pellikka needs to prove he can handle the physical and defensive demands of the NHL, and Brandsegg-Nygard needs to turn his AHL and international success into NHL production.

If all four take meaningful steps forward, Detroit will have a much stronger foundation to build around. More importantly, their development could help determine whether the Red Wings are finally ready to move beyond simply talking about the future.

Data courtesy of Natural Stat Trick.