The Athletic’s Max Bultman discusses the rapid increases set for the NHL’s salary cap over the next three seasons–from $88 millions to $95.5 million next season, $104 million in 2026-2027 and $113.5 million in 2027-2028–and how it will impact the Red Wings over the short and long term.
I find his longer-term discussion of Detroit’s cap situation to be more interesting, but you’re probably going to want to read his take on the Wings’ short-term future, which probably includes a significant youth movement on the team’s blueline:
By the 2026 offseason, they could have significant flexibility on the blue line, with Seider the only defenseman currently under contract for that year — at what is expected to be just 8.2 percent of the cap — and Edvinsson and Johansson still under team control. There will also presumably be more blue-line prospects ready for the NHL by then, headlined by Axel Sandin Pellikka and potential third-pair options Shai Buium and William Wallinder.
I suspect Detroit will still want at least one outside veteran in that mix by then, though, which is why there would be some logic in pursuing that type of player either this offseason or next. Among the names currently slated to hit free agency, New Jersey’s Johnathan Kovacevic stands out as a big body with outstanding underlying numbers this season, though his prior track record in Montreal wasn’t as sterling. Los Angeles’ Vladislav Gavrikov could be a more proven option, albeit pricier and a left-hand shot.
The big intrigue this summer will be at forward, though. If Kane stays, Detroit could opt to effectively run it back with this current roster — it’s certainly working well so far under McLellan — and count on continued progress from young players such as Edvinsson, Johansson and Marco Kasper, plus potential call-ups Carter Mazur and Nate Danielson. There’s a path to improvement primarily through internal growth.
But if Detroit and Kane part ways, they’ll need to replace his impact. And if that happens, the good news is the forward position is shaping up to be the strength of this free agent class.
Landing a big fish such as Mikko Rantanen or Mitch Marner would of course make the biggest impact, bringing in an elite producer and power-play weapon. But while those options are long shots, there are notable names even a tier down from those stars, such as Florida’s Sam Bennett, Winnipeg’s Nikolaj Ehlers, Vancouver’s Brock Boeser and the Islanders’ Brock Nelson. There are also trade possibilities such as Buffalo’s Dylan Cozens.
Continued (paywall); I’m not expecting Kane to leave, frankly, but I do believe that the Red Wings will attempt to import a top-six forward who will score goals over the next couple of years.
