4 - Patrick Kane
This time last season, I would have said there was no way Patrick Kane would garner a top-four ranking on any NHL team, including if he returned to Chicago. Okay, maybe that’s a little much, but for months last year, I almost knew Kane was done. Then 47 points in 50 games happened, and that has since changed. While he’s not the player he was, Kane remains one of the NHL’s best wingers.
3 - Alex DeBrincat
Alex DeBrincat was quite the opposite of Kane, as for a minute there, he looked like the Red Wings best point-producer. While he regressed as 2023-24 wore on, a solid 67 points and 27 goals in 82 games was rather good, and I’m expecting at least a 70-point season this time around.
2 - Lucas Raymond
Lucas Raymond put up promising numbers in 2021-22 and 2022-23, but the 2023-24 season was his true breakout year. Raymond finished with 31 goals and 72 points, and fans will be looking for him to increase that output even more this season as he begins to enter his prime.
1 - Dylan Larkin
While Dylan Larkin didn’t lead the Red Wings in points last season, he still finished with over a point per game, and he would have paced the team if injuries didn’t get in the way. Right now, he’s the best forward they got and their most reliable goal-scorer, so staying healthy is of utmost importance if the Red Wings want to bust through the playoff barrier this season.
(Statistics powered by Hockey-Reference)