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One player who might just bring the Red Wings back to relevance in 2024-25

While it’s true the Red Wings have a lot of ground to make up in 2024-25, the season still has another half to go. And one player could bring them back.

ByTodd Matthews|
Oct 14, 2024; New York, New York, USA; Detroit Red Wings defenseman Justin Holl (3) defends against New York Rangers left wing Chris Kreider (20) during the first period at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Schneidler-Imagn Images
Oct 14, 2024; New York, New York, USA; Detroit Red Wings defenseman Justin Holl (3) defends against New York Rangers left wing Chris Kreider (20) during the first period at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Schneidler-Imagn Images | Dennis Schneidler-Imagn Images

It’s no secret the Red Wings need someone to step up and score. This team has struggled to find the net in 2024-25, proving that 2023-24 was nothing more than fools gold. 

Detroit is just 30th in the league with 87 goals scored this season, and if something doesn’t happen soon, the entire lineup can start planning an early vacation in mid-April because they won’t be in the playoffs. 

So, general manager Steve Yzerman has got to start working the phones the second the roster freeze ends and bring someone worthwhile to Hockeytown ASAP. One player that stands out more than any other is Chris Kreider, who is currently playing for an ailing New York Rangers squad that looks like it’s more willing to sell than buy at this point. 

While Kreider doesn’t look like he boasts star-caliber ability like he once did, he’s still one of the league’s better scorers. And besides, after signing the likes of Patrick Kane and Vladimir Tarasenko in recent seasons, it’s also clear Yzerman doesn’t put a ton of emphasis on a player’s age if it means bringing his team back to relevance. That said, Kreider makes sense for Detroit. 

Chris Kreider could be an excellent fit for the Red Wings after the roster freeze

Kreider wouldn’t give the Wings much help in assists, but he’s a winger who opponents must account for when he’s on the ice. There’s always a chance he can score when the puck touches his stick, and it seems like that ability, despite Kreider’s age, isn’t going away any time soon. 

So far, he’s played in 30 games, finding twine 11 times, which is, on average, one goal per every 0.36 contests. Not a bad number, considering his current team doesn’t look like it’s interested in making a run this year at the moment, and the fact the Wings might be one or two tweaks from finding that formidable scoring edge. 

But they need to find someone who can consistently put the puck into the net, and that’s been by far their biggest challenge this season. Yeah, they have players like Dylan Larkin, Lucas Raymond, and Alex DeBrincat, but they clearly aren’t enough, or else I wouldn’t be writing this article. 

So, if there’s a post-Christmas wish to be had, it’s for Yzerman to bring in a potentially dynamic scorer. And, if Kreider’s there for the taking, Yzerman must inquire.

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