What happened: Dylan Larkin has maintained a limited list of acceptable destinations, restricting Detroit's options as training camp approaches. Justin Faulk and Andrew Copp enter contract years, while Alex DeBrincat has expressed interest in staying long term. Viktor Arvidsson and Keegan Kolesar join an attack that lost Patrick Kane and could add Michael Brandsegg-Nygard.
Why it matters: Detroit must balance Larkin's request against the value of a contract carrying an $8.7 million cap hit through 2030-31. The Red Wings now own the NHL's longest active playoff drought after finishing seven points short of the final wild-card berth.
By the numbers: Detroit collected 23 of 58 possible points, a .397 points percentage, during a 9-15-5 finish in 2025-26 and ranked 22nd with 239 goals. DeBrincat produced 85 points, while Arvidsson recorded 54 points in 69 games.
What to watch: Training camp will clarify whether Larkin reports and retains the captaincy. Detroit also must complete its general-manager search before major roster decisions move forward.