Three Burning Questions the Red Wings Must Answer This Offseason—or Risk Falling Behind….

‘Three Burning Questions the Red Wings Must Answer This Offseason—or Risk Falling Behind…

By [Eric John ]

April 25, 2025

After a season that showed undeniable progress, the Detroit Red Wings stand at a critical crossroads. For the first time in years, there’s real optimism surrounding the storied franchise. The team flirted with playoff contention, developed its young core, and added a few key veterans who proved to be game-changers. Still, as encouraging as 2024–25 was, it wasn’t enough to push them back into the postseason.

Now, with expectations growing and the rebuild window beginning to close, the Red Wings face a defining summer. General Manager Steve Yzerman—whose calculated patience has become a hallmark of his tenure—can no longer rely solely on time. The Red Wings must act decisively if they want to transition from “almost there” to “undeniable threat.”

But with action comes uncertainty, and three burning questions loom large over the months ahead. How Detroit answers them could determine the trajectory of the franchise for years to come.

1. Will Patrick Kane Be Re-Signed—or Will Detroit Let a Star Walk?

Perhaps no decision looms larger than the future of Patrick Kane. Signed last November on a one-year, $2.75 million deal, the 36-year-old forward proved he’s still got plenty left in the tank. Despite coming off a major hip surgery, Kane looked sharp, finishing with nearly a point per game and elevating the play of everyone around him.

His chemistry with Dylan Larkin and Alex DeBrincat was immediate, dynamic, and, at times, dominant. For a team lacking top-end offensive punch in recent seasons, Kane provided exactly what they needed: a clutch scorer, a power-play catalyst, and a veteran presence with championship pedigree.

The interest in an extension is reportedly mutual. Kane has praised the Red Wings organization, the culture, and his role. Detroit, meanwhile, has been thrilled with his on-ice production and leadership. But with the cap tight and younger talent needing room to grow, the question remains—can both sides find the right number?

Complicating matters is the possibility of outside interest. Kane’s bounce-back year ensures that contenders will come calling. If Yzerman hesitates, he could lose a weapon that might be irreplaceable in the short term.

The Red Wings need to decide: Is Kane part of their long-term picture, or was this a one-year rental that simply worked out better than expected?

2. Who Will Step Up Between the Pipes?

If there’s one area still giving the Red Wings—and their fans—sleepless nights, it’s goaltending.

Ville Husso, brought in to be the No. 1 two seasons ago, has been wildly inconsistent and battled injuries this year. While backup Alex Lyon provided some quality stretches and even stole a few games, it’s clear Detroit lacks a true franchise goalie—one who can steal a playoff series and provide night-to-night stability.

The most intriguing internal option may be Sebastian Cossa. The 2021 first-round pick has shown steady development in the AHL, but he’s not quite ready to carry the full-time load. Yzerman must now decide: do they give Cossa a shot and risk growing pains, or go shopping for a more experienced netminder who can split time—or even take over?

There’s talk of potential trade targets, including disgruntled goalies around the league looking for fresh starts. Free agency also offers some intriguing names, though not many franchise-changing options. Either way, Yzerman can’t afford to let goaltending hold this team back again.

Detroit’s defense has taken major steps forward, with Moritz Seider evolving into a true top-pairing anchor and Jake Walman solidifying his role. But no matter how good the blue line becomes, it won’t matter if the last line of defense remains uncertain.

This summer, the Red Wings need to find their guy in the crease—or commit to developing one without derailing their momentum.

3. Is This the Offseason to Make a Big Swing?

For years, the Red Wings have played the long game. Patient drafting, smart trades, and development-first decisions have built a solid foundation. But now, the pressure to take a leap is real—and rising.

The fan base can feel it. The players can feel it. And deep down, the front office knows it too: this team is close. Which raises a big, bold question—should Yzerman make his move now?

With cap flexibility (depending on the Kane decision), a deep prospect pool, and several players entering their prime, Detroit is in a rare position to make a splash. That could mean trading for a top-six forward, going after a star defenseman, or packaging assets for a top-tier goaltender.

The opportunity to strike may never be better.

Teams like Calgary, Anaheim, and even Washington could be willing trade partners depending on how their own offseasons shake out. The Wings have young talent and picks to offer—but it will require parting with pieces they’ve spent years stockpiling. Is Yzerman ready to cash in chips for a win-now move?

Alternatively, the Red Wings could stay the course, bet on internal growth, and hope that players like Lucas Raymond and Marco Kasper continue their upward trajectories.

It’s a delicate balancing act. One that requires reading not just the team, but the entire league landscape.

The Clock Is Ticking

The 2025–26 season will mark the seventh since Yzerman took the reins in Detroit. While his vision has always been long-term, time has a way of speeding up expectations. This fan base is hungry, the roster is ripening, and the league is watching.

In the Atlantic Division, competition isn’t easing up. The Panthers, Bruins, Maple Leafs, and Lightning all remain serious threats. The Senators and Sabres are in similar transitional phases. If the Red Wings wait too long, they risk being leapfrogged—or left behind.

But the offseason is a chance. A chance to get it right. A chance to signal that Detroit is not just rebuilding—it’s ready to contend.

Whether they re-sign Kane, solidify their goaltending, or make a bold trade, one thing is certain: the next three months could shape the next three years.

So, will Yzerman pull the trigger? Will Detroit rise—or regress?

The clock is ticking. And the hockey world is watching.