The Red Wings open the 2026-2027 season with 7 of their first 8 games held at Little Caesars Arena, and as such, the Wings feel that it’s imperative to get off to a strong start. Coach Todd McLellan and Alex DeBrincat spoke with the Detroit News’s Ted Kulfan regarding the opportunities which lie before them:

McLellan coined the term “Early Urgency” before training camp, and the start of this season, with the home heavy schedule, plays into that.

“It’s a chance to put our game together at home,” McLellan said. “Fatigue shouldn’t be a factor. We’re not traveling all over the place. We should have good practice time. We should feel good about being in our home building, in front of our fans, and I’d like to see some real good positive results.”

Alex DeBrincat said it’s important for the Wings to play well on home ice.

“We have to be ready to defend home ice, that’s something we have to do well this season,” DeBrincat said. “It’s an important stretch for us. We want to start strong and get the confidence. It’s great to have all those home games.”

DeBrincat, who led the Wings with 41 goals last season, is skating on a line with Andrew Copp and Lucas Raymond, a line that is completely new given Larkin’s absence and the fact Patrick Kane has moved on to Chicago. Kane and DeBrincat were longtime linemates.

“I feel good with those two (Copp, Raymond),” DeBrincat said. “I feel we work hard and get pucks back and create off that. Both of those guys are so skilled. I feel good about us.”

Continued (paywall)