From Contenders to Champions? 8 Free Agents Who Could Elevate the Red Wings in 2025-26…Read More…
As the 2024-25 NHL season fades into the rearview mirror, the Detroit Red Wings find themselves at a pivotal crossroads. After a promising campaign that ended in a first-round playoff exit, the hunger for progress is palpable in Hockeytown. The pieces are falling into place — a youthful core, strong leadership, and a fanbase that’s ready to roar again. But to shift from postseason hopefuls to true Stanley Cup contenders, one more crucial step remains: nailing free agency.
With General Manager Steve Yzerman entering the most critical offseason of his tenure, the Red Wings have the cap space, draft capital, and foundational talent to lure game-changing reinforcements. The right signings this summer could finally vault Detroit back into the NHL’s elite tier. Here are eight free agent targets who could elevate the Red Wings from contenders to champions in 2025-26.
1. Jake Guentzel (LW, Carolina Hurricanes)
Guentzel is easily one of the most intriguing names on the market this summer. The 30-year-old winger posted 71 points this past season between Pittsburgh and Carolina, showcasing his elite hockey IQ and finishing ability. For a Red Wings squad that often lacked scoring depth outside of Dylan Larkin and Lucas Raymond, Guentzel could be the perfect complementary top-six sniper.
Pairing him with Larkin or a blossoming Marco Kasper could finally give Detroit a lethal second scoring line — something they haven’t had consistently since the Zetterberg-Datsyuk era.
2. Matt Roy (RD, Los Angeles Kings)
A Michigan native with shutdown ability, Roy would be a seamless fit on Detroit’s blue line. The Red Wings’ defense showed significant improvement in 2024-25, but a true defensive specialist on the right side remains a missing puzzle piece. Roy excels at suppressing high-danger chances and logging big minutes, which could take pressure off Moritz Seider and give Head Coach Derek Lalonde more flexibility.
At 29, Roy is entering his prime and could be a long-term anchor on the second pairing.
3. Anthony Duclair (RW, San Jose Sharks)
Duclair may not be the flashiest name available, but his speed, creativity, and experience could inject life into Detroit’s middle six. After a late-season surge with San Jose — 19 points in his final 22 games — Duclair proved he still has plenty to offer.
The Red Wings’ transition game often stalled last season, and Duclair’s end-to-end speed could reignite their counterattack. He also brings playoff experience, having reached the Stanley Cup Final with Florida in 2023.
4. Ilya Samsonov (G, Toronto Maple Leafs)
Goaltending is the elephant in the room. Alex Lyon performed admirably in stretches, and Ville Husso’s injury struggles left Detroit with more questions than answers between the pipes. If Yzerman wants to solidify the crease, Samsonov could be a cost-effective answer.
Though inconsistent at times in Toronto, Samsonov rebounded well in the playoffs and still possesses the athleticism and upside to be a quality starter. Surrounded by a more structured defensive unit, he might thrive in Detroit — especially on a short-term “prove it” deal.
5. Sean Monahan (C, Winnipeg Jets)
Monahan’s resurgence has been one of the best comeback stories in the league. After battling injuries for years, he quietly put together a strong season with Montreal and Winnipeg, totaling 54 points and winning nearly 56% of his faceoffs.
The Red Wings have lacked a true second-line center behind Larkin, and while they hope Kasper or Nate Danielson can eventually fill that role, Monahan would provide immediate stability and mentorship. His hockey sense and two-way presence could make him the kind of sneaky-good signing that changes a team’s identity.
6. Brady Skjei (LD, Carolina Hurricanes)
If Detroit wants to go big on the back end, Skjei is the top left-handed defenseman on the market. The 31-year-old was rock solid for Carolina, contributing 47 points and playing top-four minutes all season. His mobility and ability to drive offense from the blue line would balance Detroit’s pairings and help with puck movement — a sore spot during their power play droughts.
Imagine a second pair of Skjei and Roy behind Seider and Jake Walman. Suddenly, Detroit’s defense could become one of the deepest in the conference.
7. Tyler Toffoli (RW, Winnipeg Jets)
Toffoli is a proven playoff performer with a Stanley Cup ring and the kind of clutch scoring touch Detroit desperately needs. He racked up 33 goals this season and continues to be one of the league’s most underrated snipers.
Adding Toffoli to a top-six already featuring Larkin, Raymond, and Alex DeBrincat could turn Detroit into a scoring powerhouse. Plus, his ability to shift between the wing and center adds valuable versatility.
8. Connor Brown (RW, Edmonton Oilers)
Brown is a high-risk, high-reward option — but the kind that championship teams often take on. After a slow start due to injury recovery, Brown found his legs late in the season and contributed during Edmonton’s playoff run. At full health, he’s a tenacious forechecker with a relentless motor.
On a one-year, incentive-laden deal, Brown could become a glue guy for Detroit’s third line, driving possession and killing penalties. Every contending team needs a gritty, high-effort forward like him.
The Bottom Line: It’s Now or Never
The Red Wings have been methodically rebuilding since Yzerman returned to the franchise in 2019. Now, with a playoff-caliber core and cap space to spend, the next logical step is contention. Adding even two or three players from this list could dramatically alter the trajectory of the team’s 2025-26 season.
Yzerman has never been one to chase headlines or overspend in free agency — but he’s also never shied away from making bold moves when the timing is right. For the Red Wings, the time is now.
From contenders to champions? With the right additions this summer, that dream could finally become a reality in Detroit.
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