Red Wings Week Ahead: Schedule & Storylines- Return From Break, Larkin Wins Gold & More

As the entire NHL returns from the Olympic break, the Detroit Red Wings hit the ice for the first time since Feb.4 against the Utah Mammoth. The Red Wings will play twice this week (Feb. 23- March 1) and will be looking to get things back on track after heading into the break with a 1-3-1 record in their last five games. With two road games to kick off the return for the team, they will be tested right off the bat as they look to stay towards the top of the Atlantic Division.

A Healthy Lineup

Going into the break, the Red Wings were without defenseman Simon Edvinsson due to injury and, like probably every other NHL team, had other players battling through injuries. After having a couple of weeks of downtime and no games, the Red Wings will be welcoming Edvinsson back to the lineup, and the rest of the lineup should be fully healthy and ready to get going.

If Edvinsson can return to the lineup and play at the level he showed before his injury, it will have a massive impact on the Red Wings’ success and hopes for a playoff run, as he has proven to be key to the team’s success. His absence was felt in a big way heading into the break and showed that the Red Wings need some extra help on the backend of the ice. It could also help dictate how general manager (GM) Steve Yzerman attacks the trade deadline, which is quickly approaching (March 6).

Larkin Returns Home with Gold

The Red Wings’ captain, Dylan Larkin, is returning to Detroit with a gold medal from the 2026 Winter Olympics after helping lead the United States to a 2-1 overtime win against Canada. Larkin’s overall game was on full display for the Americans, proving he can truly play with the best of the best. The hope should be to carry that strong play back to Detroit as he tries to help the Red Wings get back to the playoffs for the second time in his NHL career.

Along with Larkin are Lucas Raymond and Moritz Seider. Both Raymond (Sweden) and Seider (Germany) were among their countries’ best players at the Olympics, and, like Larkin, the hope is that they can continue that play in the home stretch of the regular season.

Could There Be Moves in the Works?

As mentioned above, the trade deadline is just around the corner, and after last season, where Yzerman did not make any major impactful moves, this season should be a different story, as the team has earned the chance to be true buyers at the deadline. With the roster freeze being lifted after the Olympics, could Yzerman be making calls to get a deal or two worked out? Time will only tell.

Related: Red Wings’ Tradeable Assets at 2026 Trade Deadline

When it comes to areas of need, the Red Wings could surely use another defenseman to help out the backend of the ice, and if Edvinsson is a step behind when he returns to the ice, it could jumpstart a move even quicker. With the number of teams in the league still in the fight for a playoff spot, the trade market could be a tough one to work through, and Yzerman has made it known that he does not want to cut corners to get to the ultimate goal: a Stanley Cup.

Red Wings Schedule Feb. 23- March 1