Detroit Red Wings report card after an amazing season

Offensive zone play fueled the Red Wings in 2023-24

The Red Wings took ninth place with 278 goals last season and if Dylan Larkin hadn’t gotten hurt, there’s a good chance that the total would have gone higher. But still, a top-10 finish is a top-10 finish, and it’s not like Larkin was the only reason the Red Wings were one of the NHL’s higher-scoring teams. 

Lucas Raymond, Alex DeBrincat, Shayne Gostisbehere, J.T. Compher, and Patrick Kane all deserve credit, among others. Kane especially looked rejuvenated on the ice following a hip resurfacing. And here’s another outstanding number: Eight different Red Wings scored 17 or more goals this past season. 

While it’s unlikely every player who scored 17 or more will return next season, guys like Raymond, DeBrincat, Compher, and most likely Kane will return. Kane will have a full season to perhaps even hit the 30-goal mark if he’s back with the Wings, and it will be exciting to see what Raymond’s encore performance will look like. 

Overall, this team was outstanding offensively, and they’re getting an A-minus for this one. If they become a top-five scoring team, then a solid A is in their future. And who knows? Maybe general manager Steve Yzerman will trade for one more scorer and ensure this team climbs another rung?