The Detroit Red Wings' flaws on offense are well known -- and not in a good way. When captain Dylan Larkin got hurt after the trade deadline, it seemed likely that the team would miss the playoffs for the 10th straight season. When Andrew Copp got injured a couple of games later, it seemed like their concerns were right.
The team has many players who can play center, but none have proven they can fill the biggest need for the 2026-2027 season: a legitimate number two center.
The team's center depth
Some might argue that the center position is actually the weakest part of the organization. Outside of Dylan Larkin and Andrew Copp, the depth is fairly shallow. On the NHL side, you've got J.T. Compher, Michael Rasmussen, Marco Kasper and Emmitt Finnie. As far as the farm systems go, Nate Danielson, Amadeus Lombardi, Max Plante and Carter Bear (who is listed as a winger and center on Eliteprospects) round out the list.
Some believe the solution lies within the organization, but others believe Larkin needs help from an outsider. With that said, let's go through the centers outside Larkin:
Where Andrew Copp plays in this
Andrew Copp did good as the second line center and even earned some praise from general manager Steve Yzerman at his end-of-season press conference. Copp had a great bounce back campaign after missing 26 games in the 2024-2025 season due to an injury. He seemed to play at his best while flanked by DeBrincat and other skilled teammates.
That said, Copp's production and play would be a better fit on the third line, where he can help guide young players like Finnie, Kasper and others. If the Red Wings hope to contend for a Stanley Cup, they need more talent in the top-six.
Compher & Rasmussen need a change of scenery
J.T. Compher and Michael Rasmussen need to be reassessed by Steve Yzerman and Todd McLellan. This season, Compher scored 11 goals and 17 assists for 28 points in 82 games, while Rasmussen had 6 goals and 8 assists for 14 points in 64 games. Both hit career lows in 2025-26.
Compher did okay when he filled in as the top-line center when Larkin and Copp were hurt, but he lacks the effort that Steve and Todd are looking for. Both Compher and Rasmussen have a combined salary cap hit of $8.3 million. They both have two years left on their contracts, and, at this point, it might be a good idea to trade or buy them out.
How the young guns stack up
Head Coach Todd McLellan said the organization still believes in Marco Kasper, a former first round pick in the 2022 draft. Kasper had a tough sophomore campaign, managing just nine goals and 10 assists for 19 points in 81 games. A strong offseason could help him get back to the 40-50 point range.
Emmitt Finnie got a chance to play center towards the end of the season and did fairly well. Finnie was a surprise addition this season, finishing his rookie campaign with 13 goals and 17 assists for 30 points in 82 games. Nobody expected the seventh round pick to make the roster; Yzerman and his team may have found a real gem. He could be a great utility guy for the team for years to come.
Nate Danielson is a bit of a mystery. He's a former first round pick in the 2023 draft who got praise for his leadership and two-way skills. He's currently injured and playing with the Grand Rapids Griffins, hoping to recover in time to help the team make a push late in the playoffs.
Players like Amadeus Lombardi, Max Plante and Carter Bear could play center for the Detroit Red Wings soon. Lombardi has the most experience at center among them but does not project to be a top-6 player. That said, if Steve Yzerman and Todd McLellan believe in their potential, it could change the course of their NHL careers and increase their playoff chances.
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