As training camp for the 2025-26 Detroit Red Wings nears, there are several burning questions on fans' minds, perhaps none bigger than the current vacancy at starting right wing. The second line seems sure to feature the dynamic duo of Patrick Kane and Alex DeBrincat on the wings, centered by second-year breakout candidate Marco Kasper.
Two-thirds of the first line is also set in stone with stars Dylan Larkin and Lucas Raymond at center and left wing, respectively. But who will start at the right wing? Here are five potential favorites to land on the Red Wings’ starting forward line on Opening Night.
1. Elmer Soderblom
The current leader to start at right wing for Detroit is Soderblom. Although 2025-26 would be his first full season in the National Hockey League (NHL), the 24-year-old forward enters the season with moderate excitement and many believe he could break out.
Soderblom was called up at the end of last season and performed well enough for a young player, posting 11 points in 26 games and bringing energy on both ends of the ice. He also seemed to blend well with Detroit’s top forwards.
The Swede signed a two-year contract extension this offseason to stay with the Wings and has put in significant work over the summer to earn his spot on the first line, specifically working on his skating, explosiveness, and strength.
It is still an open race for the starting right wing spot, but it appears to be Soderblom’s to lose as long as he has a strong training camp and his offseason work pays off.
2. Jonatan Berggren
When the 2024-25 season concluded, most thought it may be the last we saw of Berggren in the Winged Wheel. However, he signed a one-year contract extension in Detroit, making 2025-26 truly make or break for the young forward.
Although last season’s stats were an overall disappointment (24 points in 75 games), Berggren has some things going in his favor. He played 67 games in 2022-23, but last year was the first time Berggren played a full season in Detroit without being sent down. He has already noted that this has given him some confidence and preparation heading into this year.
Additionally, Berggren was thrust onto the top forward lines at the end of last season and scored four points in the final three games of the year. The results may be even better if given a longer opportunity alongside Larkin and Raymond.
Soderblom’s size and defensive potential give him an advantage, but a strong start to the year by Berggren could go a long way and the Red Wings clearly still have hope in him as evidenced by the extension.
3. Carter Mazur
In a disappointing 2024-25 for the Red Wings, nothing was more disappointing than Mazur’s NHL debut on March 6th. Mazur’s highly anticipated call-up was supposed to give the team life down the stretch, but he instead suffered a season-ending elbow injury on just his second NHL shift.
Fully recovered with reportedly 15 more pounds of muscle, Mazur now has his eyes set on making the Wings’ roster out of camp and making up for his lost debut.
Despite being a smaller player, the Michigan native is known for his physicality and his offensive touch. His primary concern is injuries as he consistently misses time. An upper body injury kept him out of the first half of the 2024-25 season with the Grand Rapids Griffins before his season-ending injury with the Wings.
Assuming Mazur is fully recovered and cracks the opening roster for Detroit, he could quickly ascend to the top line simply because of the energy he brings. Mazur’s style of play is also somewhat reminiscent of Tyler Bertuzzi, who paired nicely with Larkin and Raymond during his Detroit tenure.
4. James van Riemsdyk
For better and worse, van Riemsdyk was the Red Wings’ biggest forward acquisition this offseason. He comes to Detroit after a 16-goal, 20-assist season with the Columbus Blue Jackets.
At 36 years old, JVR is not the 30-goal scorer he once was with the Toronto Maple Leafs. Yet, when called upon, he played admirably on the top lines for Columbus last year. He can still provide strong playmaking and a net front presence in spite of his age.
In all likelihood, the Red Wings will try to initially put one of their younger players with a higher upside on the top lines. However, if they struggle or get injured, do not be surprised if the veteran van Riemsdyk winds up alongside Larkin and Raymond.
5. Is a trade in the works?
All offseason long, Red Wings fans have been hoping for general manager Steve Yzerman to pull off a blockbuster trade to acquire a top-line forward. But it is now mid-August and still no deal has been made.
A trade acquisition immediately improves the Red Wings top-line concerns. It would allow players like Soderblom and Mazur to grow at their own pace without being thrust in the spotlight, while also not putting too much on an aging van Riesmdyk.
Unfortunately, a trade just does not seem to be likely, at least before Opening Night. Most of the top forwards on the market have been long signed or traded.
Jason Robertson and Mason McTavish are the top names still available, but the Stars seem keen on re-signing Robertson and the Ducks are asking an outrageous amount (see: Moritz Seider) for McTavish. While unlikely in their current states, both trades could still be possible if the prices become more reasonable for the Wings.
Barring an unforeseen trade, the Red Wings will likely have to pick amongst their existing forward group for that top spot on the right wing.