Detroit Shake-Up Looming: Three Red Wings Skaters Pushing Themselves Toward the Exit Door…Read More…

Detroit Shake-Up Looming: Three Red Wings Skaters Pushing Themselves Toward the Exit Door…Read More…

In a season that began with optimism, calculated roster building, and a belief that Detroit was finally ready to take the next step toward becoming a sustained playoff contender, the Red Wings suddenly find themselves facing a harsh and unexpected reality: several players who were expected to be reliable contributors are instead skating their way into dangerous territory. With pressure mounting from young prospects knocking at the door, and with head coach Derek Lalonde seeking consistency from every line, three Red Wings in particular have emerged as central figures in what could become a major roster shake-up.

The organization has spent years accumulating talent, developing prospects, and building a culture centered around accountability. But now, with the team battling inconsistency and struggling to maintain traction in a highly competitive Eastern Conference, the front office is left with tough questions—and those questions increasingly revolve around players whose performances have dipped at the worst possible time.

A Hard Look at Underperformance

No NHL roster stays static for long, and Detroit’s continued push toward respectability brings with it an unforgiving truth: if you’re not producing, you’re replaceable. The Red Wings are no longer in the earliest stages of rebuilding; the expectations are higher, the patience is shorter, and the consequences are sharper.

This season, three players have drawn the most scrutiny—forward Jonatan Berggren, defenseman Justin Holl, and winger Klim Kostin. Each one entered the season with a defined role and a clear opportunity, but through a combination of inconsistency, defensive lapses, and lack of offensive production, all three are now drifting dangerously close to the roster bubble.

Jonatan Berggren: A Talent Running Out of Time?

Berggren’s story is perhaps the most frustrating of the three. Once viewed as one of Detroit’s most promising young forwards, he showed flashes of top-six upside in previous seasons. Known for his playmaking, smooth skating, and smart offensive instincts, he was expected to solidify himself as a full-time NHL contributor this year.

Instead, he has struggled to find footing.

Despite opportunities on multiple lines and intermittent power-play usage, Berggren has been unable to consistently impact games. His defensive game, long a point of emphasis for the coaching staff, remains a work in progress. Too often, he has been caught chasing plays, losing puck battles, or failing to generate sustained offensive zone time.

It’s not that Berggren lacks skill—far from it. His hands remain elite, and his vision can still create magic. But Detroit needs reliability as much as creativity, and with top prospects like Marco Kasper and Carter Mazur pushing hard in the system, Berggren’s window to claim a permanent spot is starting to shrink.

If the Red Wings decide a trade or demotion is necessary to shake up the roster, Berggren may be the most likely candidate.

Justin Holl: Defensive Depth Becoming Defensive Liability

When the Red Wings acquired veteran defenseman Justin Holl, the expectation was clear: he would provide stability, experience, and responsible two-way play on the bottom pair. Instead, Holl’s tenure has been marked by glaring turnovers, misreads in coverage, and costly mistakes that have directly influenced game outcomes.

The coaching staff has tried to shelter him with controlled matchups and reduced minutes, but the issues have continued. Holl’s struggles in transition have been particularly problematic; too many pucks die on his stick, slowing down breakouts or leading to rushed, ill-timed clears.

In the defensive zone, positioning lapses have made him a frequent target for criticism. Opposing offenses have learned to pressure his side, and the results haven’t been flattering.

With younger defensemen like Simon Edvinsson and Albert Johansson hungry for full-time NHL roles, Holl’s spot is no longer guaranteed. The Red Wings need defensemen who can keep pace with today’s fast, aggressive game—and Holl’s style simply hasn’t translated the way Detroit hoped it would.

A buyout, trade, or move to the press box could be in his near future if improvements don’t come soon.

Klim Kostin: Physical Presence, Minimal Payoff

Kostin was brought in to provide size, grit, and a forechecking presence—an identity the Red Wings have been trying to rebuild. Yet while his physicality remains evident, the impact beyond hits and occasional scuffles has been minimal.

Detroit expected more from him—not necessarily in terms of scoring, but in energy, penalty killing, and momentum-shifting shifts. Instead, his inconsistency has become a pressing issue. On nights when Kostin is engaged, he can push defenders back, create space, and disrupt opposing breakouts. But those nights have been too infrequent.

Discipline has also been a problem. Questionable penalties have erased momentum, and his defensive coverage has lacked the sharpness expected from a depth forward with his experience.

In a league where bottom-six roles must be earned through intelligent, high-effort hockey, Kostin’s inability to consistently deliver has put him firmly in Ottawa’s crosshairs as a potential roster casualty.

Pressure from Within—and Above

Detroit’s prospect pool is no longer a future storyline—it’s a present-day reality. The organization has several young players ready to step in immediately, and Lalonde isn’t afraid to reward hunger and hustle.

At the same time, general manager Steve Yzerman is known for decisiveness. If he believes a move is necessary to push the Red Wings forward, he won’t hesitate.

With the team looking to avoid another mid-season slide, these three skaters may find themselves at a crossroads: improve rapidly or risk watching their opportunities vanish.

A Defining Stretch Ahead

The coming weeks may ultimately decide their fates. As Detroit seeks stability, every shift matters, every mistake is magnified, and every positive play carries extra weight.

For Berggren, Holl, and Kostin, the message is obvious: time is running out.

The Red Wings are no longer a team accepting mediocrity. They’re pushing for relevance, chasing a playoff berth, and demanding accountability at every position. And for these three players, the harsh truth is unavoidable—if the tide doesn’t turn soon, they may be skating their way off the roster sooner than expected.