With training camp complete, the Detroit Red Wings faced the dual task of delivering good news to some while sending others down—a process that brings both smiles and disappointment.
That news was delivered on Saturday.
Forward Kevin Bicker was reassigned to Löwen Frankfurt of the Deutsche Eishockey Liga. In addition, forwards Grayden Robertson-Palmer, defenseman Will Murphy, and goaltenders Landon Miller and Michal Pradel were sent to their respective junior clubs. Defenseman Nicklas Andrews was released from his professional tryout and will report to the ECHL’s Toledo Walleye.
The Red Wings also released forwards Vincent Collard and Liam Kilfoil, along with defensemen Maxim Dirracolo, Wyatt Kennedy, and Carl-Otto Magnusson from their amateur tryouts.
Detroit’s current training camp roster now stands at 51 players, including 28 forwards, 17 defensemen, and six goaltenders. The organization will continue preparations with the 2025 Red & White Game today at 3 p.m. at Van Andel Arena, home of the AHL’s Grand Rapids Griffins. The game is sold-out, but a live stream is available via DetroitRedWings.com and the Red Wings Mobile App.
Todd McLellan inspires the team
It’s safe to say if Red Wings head coach Todd McLellan were the team owner of a race team, he wouldn’t want his drivers lollygagging in the back and cruising; he’d want his drivers putting in 100% for the entire distance.
McLellan basically hinted that any player that doesn’t have their foot on the gas pedal would likely be cut from the team.
"We've got to push the gas pedal and get after teams," he said. "Obviously, there's areas for improvement - penalty kill, defensively, we can't give up that many goals, but we've got to play with our foot on the gas."
Despite missing the playoffs last season, McLellan posted a 26-18-4 record since taking over from Derek Lalonde. When extrapolated over a full 82-game schedule, that performance equates to a 96-point pace—well within the range that would have secured Detroit a postseason berth.
The broader message McLellan is sending is clear: this organization is fully committed to contending for a championship. While a title may not arrive this season, the groundwork has been firmly established. The team is on the gas, and there is little tolerance for anyone holding the brake.