The Detroit News’s Ted Kulfan has kicked off the News’s 2025-2026 NHL season preview with “character sketches” of the Red Wings’ opening-night roster players:
Axel Sandin-Pellikka
▶ Age: 20
▶ Height: 6-0
▶ Weight: 186
▶ 2024-25 stats: (Skelleftea, Sweden) 46 games, 12 goals, 17 assists, 29 points
▶ Analysis: Was expected to spend some time in Grand Rapids but simply showed too much potential and skill not to go directly into the NHL. Sandin-Pellikka is as an exciting offensive defenseman prospect the Wings have had in a long time.
Michael Brandsegg-Nygard
▶ Age: 19
▶ Height: 6-1
▶ Weight: 204
▶ 2024-25 stats: (Skelleftea, Sweden) 42 games, five goals, six assists, 11 points
▶ Analysis: A young player who plays and carries himself as if he’s been a pro for many years, Brandsegg-Nygard made the Wings’ roster after an outstanding exhibition season. He has a powerful shot, but it’s the ability to play a hard-nosed physical game, at age 19, that’s eye-opening.
Marco Kasper
▶ Age: 21
▶ Height: 6-1
▶ Weight: 202
▶ 2024-25 stats: 77 games, 19 goals, 18 assists, 37 points
▶ Analysis: Kasper struggled early but thrived once McLellan took over and capitalized on an opportunity to play on the Wings’ top scoring line. He has the determination and professionalism to grow into a prolific two-way forward.
Dylan Larkin
▶ Age: 29
▶ Height: 6-1
▶ Weight: 204
▶ 2024-25 stats: 82 games, 30 goals, 40 assists, 70 points
▶ Analysis: Larkin had another consistent season, and played his best hockey leading up to and during the 4 Nations Tournament. Always a respected leader, Larkin’s leadership will be important as this roster overall is young and untested.
Continued, with “bios” of every one of the Wings’ 23 roster players…
