Not only are the young Detroit Red Wings living up to their hype, some of the "old” dogs are showing tricks of their own.
Wings fans and outsiders alike questioned many of the decisions management has made over the last few seasons. Before Red Wings legend Steve Yzerman departed his role as general manager, he made two changes that have impacted this team for the better (so far):
July 1 was a busy day for Yzerman. He signed Viktor Arvidsson to a two-year contract at $5 million per season and traded a third and seventh round pick in 2029 and 2027 respectively to the Vegas Golden Knights for Keegan Kolesar.
While they aren’t the blockbuster moves fans generate on video games, the real life acquisitions have already paid dividends.
As Detroit gets set for its fourth game of the season, hosting the Seattle Kraken this Friday night, there is a bit of hope on the horizon.
New faces to the Detroit Red Wings making an impact
Arvidsson’s not Patrick Kane, and that’s okay. While storylines are fun and Kane’s talent is undeniable, Arvidsson brings a completely different style to the game.
Equally as competitive, Arvidsson trades pinpoint accuracy for a wrecking ball-like attitude. He doesn’t care what’s happening on the ice or who is around. He plays his game all the same, all the time. As invested in back checking as he is battling below the goal line or fighting tooth and nail to get a shot on goal, Arvidsson brings something that the Wings have sorely lacked (even with Kane in the lineup).
Do the Red Wings still struggle to score goals? Yes. Is it a different challenge when there’s not the best American-born player of all time in the lineup? Also, yes.
Arvidsson does nothing but help this version of the Red Wings, though.
Opening the scoring for the Wings’ season, Arvidsson has continued to provide offensive drive. Of the five goal scorers for Detroit this season (so far), Arvidsson is tied with Alex DeBrincat in goals scored with two. He’s even added an assist to boot. His style suits Lucas Raymond, as well. Even if Dylan Larkin doesn’t remain on the Wings much longer, Arvidsson, Raymond, and Larkin all worked together well against the Ottawa Senators, Tuesday night.
Although one could argue anybody placed on a line with Larkin and Raymond would play well, it’s not an easy task. To have the skating to keep up with Larkin and the smarts to play with Raymond, a player has to be special. Arvidsson foots this bill perfectly. His seasoned presence is a welcomed change to the revolving door that Larkin and Raymond are used to.
Keegan Kolesar brings grit to a team in need
Meanwhile, Kolesar has provided a completely different dynamic to the Red Wings.
A Stanley Cup winner in 2023, Kolesar has brought his confidence, physicality, and toughness that the Wings have sought for years.
When players of Kolesar’s archetype come to Detroit, all those skillsets seem to dissipate. Regardless of the reasoning, they fade and have next to no impact on the Red Wings.
It’s understandable that Wings fans were hesitant with the Kolesar trade. There was a fear that he would be just another jersey on the ice. His first media availability after joining the Red Wings organization was promising. His follow through (bad fights aside) is impeccable.
Kolesar has made heavy hits and generated energy each time he steps on the ice. The opposition pays attention, opening up extra space for his teammates. Just as importantly, he lights the fire in his teammates, too.
For all the great hits he’s delivered and the demand of opponents who delivered questionable hits to answer the bell, my favorite Kolesar moment has to be the fist bump line he started after Marco Kasper’s fight:
Marco Kasper waiting for the “KICK IT” to throw a punch is legendary😭 pic.twitter.com/e3tf1Kcde3
— Nick🦁 (@DETNick_) October 3, 2026
Other teammates on the ice followed suit. However subtle something like that is, it speaks volumes about the character of someone like Kolesar who brings out the best in others. He just allows the team play freer and hold each other accountable. Don’t be a pushover, and for goodness sakes stand up for yourself and, as importantly, for your teammate.
It’s those little actions that change an organization’s culture for the better.
Thankfully, the head coach is on the same page as Kolesar and the rest of his teammates in terms of standing up for themselves. It’s refreshing to have any level of the Detroit Red Wings organization the same page given the fragility it is experiencing. Maybe management can take notes.
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