The 5 Detroit Red Wings Who Could Have The Most Impactful Seasons

The Detroit Red Wings wasted no time bringing in talent for the second season in a row.

Last season, general manager Steve Yzerman was busy during free agency, bringing in depth for a hopeful playoff push. This season, Yzerman did the same thing, but the players brought in this offseason are different in the way they create more offense.

The Detroit Red Wings are hopeful for a big year for these five players.

Brought in were goaltenders James Reimer and Alex Lyon, while defensemen Shayne Gostisbehere and Justin Holl also joined the team. Forwards joining the Detroit Red Wings are J.T. Compher, Christian Fischer, and Daniel Sprong.

Forwards Alex DeBrincat and Klim Kostin were brought in via trade and immediately signed to contracts.

Which of these players will be the most impactful?

Alex DeBrincat

Forward Alex DeBrincat had been rumored to be heading to the Detroit Red Wings for a while, and Yzerman finally got his guy. Although he had a down year last season with the Ottawa Senators, he still scored 27 goals on a team that struggled.

DeBrincat is a game-breaker who is capable of scoring 40 goals on a Red Wings team that is focused and ready to make the playoffs. DeBrincat can score goals in various ways, regardless of the line he is on and his linemates. He is also lethal on the power play and is a legit threat offensively.

DeBrincat will be an impact player on this version of the Detroit Red Wings and will be given every chance to  succeed for the team he desperately wanted to play for.

Ville Husso

Goaltender Ville Husso returns to the Detroit Red Wings for his second season between the pipes. Last season, Husso started out extremely hot and was even in the talk for the Vezina Trophy.

During the middle of the season, the entire Red Wings team went cold and struggled in the second half. At the beginning of last season, Husso was one of the best goalies in the league. Entering his second season, he looks to play more like he did in the beginning of the 2022/2023 season.

He is a goaltender who can play 60 games, and if he can recover that magic, he can be the impact player that the Red Wings need to make a statement.

Lucas Raymond

Forward Lucas Raymond had a tremendous rookie season for the Red Wings, putting the league on notice. He immediately became a one-two punch threat with Dylan Larkin, grabbing instant chemistry to help Raymond along in his rookie year.

Last season, Raymond struggled a bit in his sophomore season but managed to put together a strong year. With the new additions, Raymond could very well have a season like did in season one.

He will be paired once again with Larkin on the top line with a new linemate. Regardless of who his new linemate is, Raymond is primed and ready to show that last season was a fluke.

Shayne Gostisbehere

New Detroit Red Wings defenseman Shayne Gositsbehere is a threat every time he is on the ice. Whether it is offense, defense, a regular shift, or a power play, he is making an impact.

On the power play, he will be a force right away as the power play struggled last season. Offensively, Gostisbehere can join the rush or create offense with a stretch pass to the forwards. Defensively, he is sound and uses his experience to shut down the opposing forwards.

Aside from DeBrincat, the Gostisbehere signing was a top-notch move, as he will be a leader from day one. Gostisbehere will lead the defenseman as he has had in the past with other teams.

J.T. Compher

Forward J.T. Compher is in quite the situation. Last season, he recorded career-highs with the Colorado Avalanche. He played a top role with the Avalanche because of the injuries the team faced all season long.

Compher comes to Detroit in a different situation. He is no longer the top guy and can produce as expected. He will not be expected to fill big shoes in Detroit, as he is being brought in to help the team advance toward a possible playoff spot.

If he can replay his offensive production on this Detroit team, then that makes them a team to watch. Likely to slot in at the second-line center position, he also brings speed and defensive awareness.

He is good defensively and should help a defense that struggled last season. He is exceptional on the penalty kill in addition to his regular shift duties.