5 gifts for the Detroit Red Wings this holiday season
By Tyler Kotila
![Dec 20, 2023; Winnipeg, Manitoba, CAN; Detroit Red Wings right wing Patrick Kane (88) celebrates his Dec 20, 2023; Winnipeg, Manitoba, CAN; Detroit Red Wings right wing Patrick Kane (88) celebrates his](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,w_2832,h_1593,x_0,y_0/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/ImagnImages/mmsport/76/01hjbx8qb76vhc9devz5.jpg)
Detroit Red Wings have had exceptional depth in forward core this year.
It may not be a "new gift," but it's one that has some new pieces and recycled pieces as well. The Detroit Red Wings forward core is much stronger than it has been in recent years. They have lines they can roll with depth throughout, allowing them to be competitive.
The Detroit Red Wings can score. They can score in the top line, the middle-six, and even the fourth line, which taps into the offense from time to time. In recent years, that bottom six has been a real liability, and the Red Wings' second line even struggled at times. There was no depth to this team at all, but in 2023-24, that has changed.
It sure helps to add in someone like Alex DeBrincat, who came over in the big trade this summer with Detroit's nemesis, the Ottawa Senators. But J.T. Compher has been a big addition up the middle, settling in well with the Red Wings. Daniel Sprong is carving out a role in the middle-/bottom-six with Detroit as a scorer, producing good offense.
On top of that, they have seen Lucas Raymond continue to come into his own and be a force within the top six for the Red Wings. It's been great to see the forwards blossoming, and it has only allowed the Red Wings to continue improving their team offensively. The depth up front is a lovely gift.