ESPN’s Greg Wyshynski predicts the “order of finish” for each and every one of the NHL’s 4 divisions, and he’s particularly harsh upon the Red Wings’ 2026-2027 season outlook:

Detroit is a mess. Captain Dylan Larkin requested a trade … and as punishment Detroit made him continue to play for the Red Wings with fewer responsibilities, taking away the captaincy. They’re grinding 23-year-old defenseman Simon Edvinsson in a contract negotiation. Worst of all, the franchise had to finally admit the “Yzerplan” was a failure, as franchise icon Steve Yzerman left the general manager’s office after seven playoff-less seasons.

The Red Wings have a few reasons for hope, such as defenseman Moritz Seider, winger Lucas Raymond and a prospect pool that’s filling up but without any franchise-level talents.

In the long term, maybe the plan is hoping the Hughes brothers all want to play close to their Michigan roots when Jack is a free agent in 2030. In the short term, there’s speculation about who’s leaving next after Larkin is dealt, and does his name rhyme with “Alex DeBrincat?”

Continued; the Wings are a mess right now, but not all is lost yet.