Latest Patrick Kane injury update might be a blessing in disguise for Red Wings

The Detroit Red Wings probably won't be without Patrick Kane long, which is a great thing, but they won't have him for the next two games, per the latest update the media received from head coach Todd McLellan.

Kane was injured Friday against the Lightning after crashing into a board. The Red Wings deemed it an "upper body injury."

Still, it's bad news when Kane misses any time, with him putting on a point-per-game effort so far in 2025-26. Through five games, Kane has five points and two goals, and he's giving hockey fans everywhere flashbacks with that championship-caliber play.

Yet while the Wings will miss him, it does mean an opportunity for youngsters Michael Brandsegg-Nygard and Elmer Soderblom. From what Ansar Khan saw at practice on Tuesday, they are filling in for Kane at winger on the second line, meaning one of them will be taking the spot.

Patrick Kane's absence sparks massive opportunities for Red Wings youngsters

In Sunday's win over the Edmonton Oilers, Brandsegg-Nygard got the nod. He skated for 14 minutes, 11 seconds, recording a shot on goal and tying a season high with six shots attempted. He also landed three body checks and recorded a takeaway.

So far this season, Brandsegg-Nygard has seen his share of ups and downs, going without a point in his first six NHL games. He also has a minus-3 rating across 13 minutes, 43 seconds of average total ice time. However, he has been a sledgehammer for the Wings, with 21 body checks in those six games, and it looks like he will be one of the glue players as he gets further acclimated to the NHL. 

Then, there's Elmer Soderblom, who has seen action in just three contests, failing to put up a point so far as well. Soderblom has mainly seen time with the fourth line, so there's a good chance he's rotating in and out with Brandsegg-Nygard as an insurance policy. So, with Brandsegg-Nygard getting the nod in the previous contest, look for him to be on that second line when the Wings face off with the Buffalo Sabres on Wednesday. 

Red Wings will be glad when Patrick Kane comes back

Despite an opportunity for a youngster to see time in the top six, the Red Wings will be glad when Patrick Kane is back in the lineup moving forward. He's been a pivotal part of this resurging Red Wings team, even at an advanced age, and it's a major reason why the Wings are winning.

Still, his absence gives the team's future more ice time in the top six. And, at some point in that near future, should Kane not return to Detroit, they might just count on Brandsegg-Nygard to take over at right wing on the second line.