Red Wings’ New Additions: Roles & Predictions for 2024-25

During his end-of-year press conference, Detroit Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman emphasized the need to improve defensively and add offensive depth.

To address these objectives, Yzerman re-signed Patrick Kane and Christian Fischer and added six other players – two forwards, two defensemen, and two goalies. Today, we’ll examine the roles those players will likely fill and what to expect in terms of production.

Vladimir Tarasenko – RW

Contract: Two years, $4.75 million

Role(s): Vladimir Tarasenko will be a top-six forward for the Red Wings, but will primarily skate on Detroit’s second line alongside J.T. Compher. He’ll also man the right flank on the second power play unit, with Kane holding down that role on PP1. There, Tarasenko will be the primary shooter.

Value/Production Expectations: Even at age 32, 20 goals and 50 points should be feasible for Tarasenko. That said, it will be interesting to see how Detroit’s coaching staff pairs the top-six wings. The defensive side of Tarasenko’s game is almost non-existent, so a more responsible winger—Lucas Raymond, perhaps?—might be needed to balance him out.

Tyler Motte – LW/C

Contract: One year, $800,000

Role(s): Tyler Motte will serve as a defensively inclined, bottom-of-the-lineup forward. He’ll skate on the third or fourth line and be a primary penalty killer. In addition, Motte’s ability to play center will give Detroit’s coaching staff some flexibility if one of their regular centers misses time. 

Value/Production Expectations: Motte’s production likely won’t differ too greatly from that of Christian Fischer. He figures to contribute five or six goals and 15 total points while playing a depth role. A positive impact on the penalty kill would be an added bonus.

Final Word

While the Red Wings didn’t make any big splashes this summer, their additions—plus full seasons from Kane and Edvinsson—net out as a gain when compared to the 2023-24 players who are no longer in the organization.

Offensively, the Red Wings are better. Defensively, the additions don’t move the needle much. Improvement there will need to come collectively. That said, playoffs should be in reach for this group.