In the past month, much has been said about the Detroit Red Wings' lack of depth scoring, and rightfully so. Recently, the Red Wings have seen some improvement in this area, thanks to contributions from James van Riemsdyk and Andrew Copp. However, if Detroit wants to qualify for the postseason for the first time since the 2015-16 season, they need to focus on enhancing their depth scoring in the second half of the year.
Entering the 2025-26 season, general manager Steve Yzerman constructed a blended roster with a bunch of veteran skaters and, for the first time in a long time, a plethora of first and second-year players. For years, Yzerman seemed reluctant to welcome a youth movement, but this season the organization is embracing it. I wonder if some of this has to do with having a successful, veteran coach, Todd McLellan, behind the bench from start to finish.
With Nate Danielson, Emmitt Finnie, Elmer Soderblom, Axel Sandin-Pellikka, and Marco Kasper all being a part of things, of course, you would expect some cold stretches along the way. That said, Detroit certainly knew they'd have to rely more on the top of their roster to keep the bus moving and out of the mud. For the most part, that has been the case, but while each of the young players mentioned has had some struggles, they have also shown positive production.
There are some concerns growing about second-year center Marco Kasper
Detroit Red Wings forward Marco Kasper is learning all about the sophomore slump. The second-year center is struggling in year two, having scored only three goals over 29 games. In fact, as of Monday, Kasper hasn't recorded a point in the past 18 games. This follows a very positive rookie campaign a year ago, during which Kasper netted 19 goals and totaled 37 points over 77 games.
Kasper began the year centering Detroit's second line between Patrick Kane and Alex DeBrincat. During his struggles, McLellan has moved him up and down the lineup and even over to wing in an attempt to find a slump buster.
Recognizing the need for a developmental reset, a temporary assignment to Grand Rapids could serve as a turning point for Kasper’s season. The Griffins provide a competitive yet supportive environment for prospects in Detroit who are struggling to refine their skills and, more importantly, regain their confidence.
In Grand Rapids, Kasper would have the opportunity to play top-line minutes, work closely with the coaching staff on targeted improvements, and rebuild his offensive game. Such a reset is not a demotion, but rather a strategic step in player development, allowing Kasper to return to Detroit mentally refreshed and physically prepared for the rigours of NHL competition. Kasper is waivers exempt, and that transaction seems like the most logical move at this point in the season.
A potential replacement for Kasper could be John Leonard, who is absolutely tearing it up in Grand Rapids this season. Leonard, 27, a former sixth-round draft pick of the San Jose Sharks, is on a one-year deal with the organization and has recorded 17 goals and 26 points over 17 games with the Griffins.
If Leonard were to be recalled by the Red Wings, he'd need to clear waivers to be sent back down to Grand Rapids. That shouldn't prevent Detroit from giving him a look, but it makes recalling him a bit more complicated. If he sticks in Detroit, it isn't something to worry about.