The Red Wings proved they’re still a team in transition and as disappointing as it sounds, something to keep in mind is that a few players rising through the ranks will help shift this team’s weaknesses into strengths. And they’re players some fans probably aren’t thinking so much about, as they would expect high-impact players like Nate Danielson on this list.
But everybody knows he’ll be wearing the winged wheel regularly soon enough in more than just preseason cameos. Instead, I wanted to focus on those whose roles will ultimately help Detroit return to the playoffs, a place they’ve gone about an eon between appearances. Or, so it seems.
1 - Sebastian Cossa
You know Sebastian Cossa’s time is coming, especially since it looks like the Wings are rolling with Petr Mrazek and Cam Talbot next season. Expect Cossa to make more than just a one-off appearance in the net and a few cameos in 2025-26 as he looks to prove he’s the future No. 1 netminder in Hockeytown.
Given the circumstances, however, I don’t see Cossa seeing a ton of action with the Wings until the 2026-27 season, at which point he’ll be more than ready to make the leap to the NHL, and you’ll likely see Talbot and Mrazek heading elsewhere or perhaps even off into the sunset.
Should Cossa hit the ground running once it’s his time to shine, he could keep the position locked down for a decade or longer. And that would be music to the ears of many, many Red Wings fans with such a good, young netminder in the crease.
2 - Carter Mazur
You can’t help but feel bad for Carter Mazur, whose call-up attracted friends and family after he missed 35 games earlier in the year over in Grand Rapids. It was a feel-good story that lasted just two shifts, and nobody, not even a sworn enemy, deserves to have that happen to them.
Still, Mazur’s grit is something the Wings could’ve used from the start of this season, and they will take advantage of it down the road. This team needs players who can bring in some energy and Mazur’s profile fits the billing, so look for that to occur at some point in the near future.
I don’t see Mazur as a points-producing machine, but he doesn’t need to be one. Instead, get him onto the middle or bottom six, let him play his brand of hockey, and let the Wings benefit from that style of play.
3 - Elmer Soderblom
I’ve said numerous times that the Red Wings must get more aggressive, and a player like Carter Mazur will help that cause. Another player I’m looking at is none other than Elmer Soderblom, who saw 26 games this season as Detroit wanted to utilize him in their latest failed playoff push.
Like Mazur, Soderblom is a middle-six forward who may fare better on the lower lines. He possesses an imposing build and one that’s meant to crush opponents. He’s already shown he’s more than cool with using his immense size to his advantage, given his 43 hits this past year, and there should be more to come next season.
Shifting gears to his possession metrics at even strength, Soderblom’s on-ice save percentage clocked in at a solid 91.2, even if his on-ice shooting percentage sat at a meager 9.9 percent. Of that, he pitched in four goals and seven assists, good for 11 points in 26 games.
I’m looking for Soderblom to find a permanent spot in Hockeytown next season. And with it, expect him to give the Wings more of an edge they’ve been lacking for a while.