Detroit Red Wings desperately need J.T. Compher back vs. Hurricanes

Dec 2, 2023; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Detroit Red Wings left wing J.T. Compher (37) skates during warm-up before the game against the Montreal Canadiens at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 2, 2023; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Detroit Red Wings left wing J.T. Compher (37) skates during warm-up before the game against the Montreal Canadiens at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-USA TODAY Sports

The Detroit Red Wings are undermanned and struggling to maintain. Sure, some players are stepping up, but they could very much benefit from getting J.T. Compher back in the lineup. He’s been out injured lately, and the Red Wings need him back in the lineup.

For the Detroit Red Wings, anything helps. Compher being back in the lineup would be a huge boost, as the team is without Dylan Larkin. The captain will be on the Injured Reserve (IR) for some time, so missing only one top-tier center is better than missing two.

Having another center to rely on will help the Red Wings keep their forward core alive. They are trying to compete and stay on top of their game and need help. Compher was placed on the IR retroactively to December 5th, so hopefully, he can return soon.

Compher was ruled as day-to-day initially, but nothing else substantial has been announced since his move to the IR. It also allowed them to bring up some reinforcements from the minors for Tuesday’s game to stick with the club as needed. But hopefully, Compher will be the reinforcement soon.

Detroit Red Wings in dire need of support; J.T. Compher would be huge.

The Red Wings signed Compher this off-season, bringing him in on a big five-year, $25.5 million contract. So far, it has looked quite beneficial for Detroit. Compher has been able to get the job done in his short time with Detroit; it’s been good to see him get involved.

Through 24 games played in 2023-24, Compher has six goals and 13 assists for 19 total points. Sure, he’s not blowing the doors off the season with points, but he’s been able to look the part. He’s played a solid two-way game and has also been able to produce some offense.

With Compher back in the lineup, it would allow the team to put together a true first line. Compher may not be a true 1C, but he is serviceable between Alex DeBrincat and Patrick Kane as the team’s top trio of forwards.

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There’s no official timeline yet or any news from the Red Wings on Compher being back, but they need to get him back in action. Having Compher around again gives them more peace of mind, especially with how things are for the team.