When the Red Wings re-signed Lucas Raymond, the entire fanbase predictably rejoiced, or at least they should have. Now that Raymond is back in the Motor City for eight years, the Wings core is greater than it’s been in a while, and it should go without saying that every fan in Michigan and beyond are expecting big things from the young forward.
But Raymond isn’t the only player the Wings need to bring their A-Game this year. Sure, you can argue that everyone in the lineup needs to put their best efforts forward, and you’d be correct. That said, there are three players who either didn’t fare so well last season or are new in town and must make an elite first impression in front of the fans.
Vladimir Tarasenko
In 2021-22, Vladimir Tarasenko finished the season with 34 goals for the St. Louis Blues, and he’s scored just 41 times in the regular season since. Those aren’t bad numbers when you divide 41 by two, but after we saw Patrick Kane’s resurgence in 2023-24, it’s time for Tarasenko to take a similar route.
If Kane once again looks like a winner AND Tarasenko becomes the 34-goal scorer he was a few years ago, he’ll prove general manager Steve Yzerman was once again right to put his trust in an aging winger. Overall, vintage Kane and vintage Tarasenko would spell trouble for the Atlantic Division and the Eastern Conference.
Justin Holl
Few Red Wings disappointed us more than Justin Holl, and I’ll be real, I thought he’d be starting training camp elsewhere. All the way back in June, I had Holl listed as a buyout candidate, but here he is, ready to compete for a spot in the defensive rotation.
Despite appearing in just 38 games last year, Holl showed us he can play efficient hockey and even top-four minutes when he was with the rival Toronto Maple Leafs. While I wanted the Wings to give up on Holl since he looked like a bad fit, if he’s still in town, he’s got to figure out how to become the effective player he was just two years ago when he played in 80 games.
Cam Talbot
One of the NHL’s better journeymen goaltenders, I gave the Wings a high grade when they signed Cam Talbot. He didn’t look like the same player in Ottawa as he did during most of his career, but a resurgence in his age-36 season showed us he should have another outstanding season or two left.
But at 37, anything can happen, and age could catch up to the longtime goaltender quickly. Should he drop off like he did with the Senators in 2022-23, the burning question would be whether Alex Lyon or Ville Husso can pick up the slack. But if Talbot doesn’t let it get to that point, the Wings have a goaltender for at least one season and a pivotal one at that.