Next to Vladimir Tarasenko, you could call J.T. Compher's 2024-25 campaign the most disappointing. Compher was supposed to build on his serviceable 19-goal, 48-point season, but ended up with just 11 goals and 32 points, despite averaging 16:41 of average total ice time.
This year, it's hard to see Compher getting another chance with players like Marco Kasper making a big leap, while the likes of Elmer Soderblom and maybe even Jonatan Berggren or Carter Mazur could get more attention.
None of the above look like long-term solutions, but from a player potential standpoint, they boast more upside than the disappointing Compher. So, I wouldn't expect Compher to get anywhere near the 16:41 to 19:23 he averaged in Detroit across his first two years with the Wings.
Heck, it'd surprise me if he landed anywhere higher than the fourth line to kick off the season, and played a depth scoring role, at most, offensively. That would give him between 11 and 12 minutes per game, and into a more defensive and high-energy role.
There's also that $5.1 million AAV and partial no-trade clause dangling over the Wings, which is a lot to pay someone who should be in the bottom six this season.
J.T. Compher could be a glorified bottom-six player for the Detroit Red Wings
If Compher landed on the fourth line and put up 32 points again, nobody's complaining, regardless of what his contract says. And we need to remember that he got Selke votes after that last season with the Colorado Avalanche, so it's not like he can't slide into a defensive forward role.
Add in the fact 53.5 percent of his starts came in the defensive zone at even strength last season, and his on-ice save percentage resided at 91.5 in the same situation, and they indicate how good Compher can be if he's asked to slide more into a defensive forward role.
This is also assuming the Wings decide to keep him for the year, and don't push his contract on someone else. But with a 10-team no-trade clause, it'd be hard to get Compher to agree to finish the duration of his contract in a place like San Jose or Chicago, especially if the Wings put up a solid start.
Ideally, Compher plays a good game and lives up to his contract. But if he doesn't, there's still a niche he can fall into and give the Red Wings solid play in the defensive zone and with fewer minutes.