**Vladimir Tarasenko enters the chat**
Who would have thought that not only would Kane join the Detroit Red Wings (willingly), he would advocate for the team, city, and suburbs to other players.
Vladimir Tarasenko talked to players about the Detroit Red Wings and mentioned Kane was one of them in his media availability after signing with the team:
Then, in Kane’s media availability, after re-signing with the Detroit Red Wings, he informed us that he relayed that the area is great for his family. From the school system to hockey, he likes it.
Patrick Kane, maybe the best #LGRW salesman there is — telling Tarasenko about metro Detroit: pic.twitter.com/1qSVGJyVVU
— Rachel Hopmayer (@rachelhopmayer) July 8, 2024
A two-time, goal-scoring Stanley Cup winning player sees something in this group of players speaks volumes. Loudly singing the dawn of new wings rising, whether it’s based on the veterans Yzerman brought in, the young players who are developing into real good NHL players, or the lifestyle metro Detroit brings, the Detroit Red Wings are looking forward instead of back.
Similar to Kane, it’s realistic that Tarasenko could have find a more lucrative deal or team elsewhere, but the draw of finding a nice place for his family overall seemed to the most important. The opportunity to play on the same team as Kane didn’t hurt the cause either.
In his media availability, Tarasenko mentioned he did not play on a line with Kane when they played on the New York Rangers. Kane is an enticing player, as is DeBrincat and Raymond. Larkin should center the top line for most of the season, while the second line center position isn’t set in stone. J.T. Compher is the most likely option, however, I wouldn't put it past a couple of prospects to give Compher a run for his money. I’ll talk about these prospects in part two, but neither is a defensive liability like a lot of young center prospects.
Healthy competition at the center position is a welcome sight and should bode well for Tarasenko’s next two years of hockey.
It was music to my ears hearing Tarasenko say that the Detroit Red Wings are one of the most famous NHL teams in the world, especially in Russia when he was growing up. To go from playing as the Detroit Red Wings on his first PlayStation to wearing the Winged Wheel this season is something special and it shows in Tarasenko’s eyes when he talks about it.
The same energy can be felt throughout all four of these players when they talk about their Detroit Red Wings team.
Tarasenko, DeBrincat, Kane, and Määttä bring different elements to the Detroit Red Wings that we haven’t seen regularly for a long time. Even if they’re not in the prime of their careers, they bring wisdom, drive, and understanding to a team who can get lost at times.
Once nemeses, players who remember watching (or living through), at least part, of a golden era of Detroit Red Wings hockey are leading the way for the team. They get to write their own story.
Although it started long ago, those tears and broken roads forged some of the toughest hearts. Larkin (and Brian Lashoff, but his story is for another day) has gone through the lowest of lows on the team.
It reminds me of Captain America in the Avengers: Endgame. Captain America tightens his broken shield to face off against Thanos and his army. Barely hanging on, not able to properly walk let alone fight, but he finds his inner strength to move forward. Before his fate is sealed, Captain America is told to look to his left, where he sees his Avengers assemble at the last moment.
Giving me goosebumps remembering this scene, I also get them thinking about the road Larkin and his Detroit Red Wings are setting out on this season. No green screen or special effects necessary.
Regardless of the projections or recent history, the Detroit Red Wings are back. It seems like neither the NHL nor people outside of the Detroit Red Wings fandom are ready for it.
Are you ready for it?