The preseason has concluded, and the roster is nearly finalized. Now, it’s time to share some predictions.
As the Detroit Red Wings prepare to kick off their 2024-25 season Thursday night in Detroit, here are 10 bold forecasts for how the season might unfold.
1. **Dylan Larkin scores 40 goals**
**Boldness level:** 3 out of 5
**Confidence level:** 60 percent
I’m repeating this prediction from last year. Though it didn’t pan out, I still believe in it! Larkin scored 33 goals in 68 games last season, which translates to a nearly 40-goal pace over an 82-game stretch. The Red Wings haven’t had a player reach 40 goals since Marian Hossa in 2008-09, but I think Larkin has what it takes to end that drought. He’s improved significantly as a scorer over the past three years, and with talented linemates like Lucas Raymond, Alex DeBrincat, and Patrick Kane, he has the support needed to challenge for 40 goals—if he can stay healthy, as he hasn’t played a full season since 2018.
2. **Raymond becomes a point-per-game player**
**Boldness level:** 3 out of 5
**Confidence level:** 50 percent
Raymond had a standout season last year, finishing strong and totaling 31 goals and 72 points—solid top-line production. While there are concerns about his 19 percent shooting percentage being hard to replicate, I believe he has another level to reach this season. His performance in April showed his potential to dominate games, and playing alongside Larkin and DeBrincat could lead to all three players scoring over 30 goals. Additionally, he could improve his shooting by simply taking more shots, as he had fewer last season than as a rookie. If he does that, point-per-game production is within reach.
3. **No goalie hits 40 starts**
**Boldness level:** 3.5 out of 5
**Confidence level:** 40 percent
The big question in training camp was which of Detroit’s three goalies—Ville Husso, Alex Lyon, and Cam Talbot—would be the No. 1. What if none of them emerges as the clear choice? While one goalie might get hot for stretches, there are doubts about whether any can handle a full season. Talbot is 37, Husso is recovering from injuries, and Lyon showed signs of fatigue after starting 43 games last year. I predict a distribution closer to 32-30-20 among the goalies, with health being a crucial factor.
4. **Moritz Seider will lead the NHL in blocked shots**
**Boldness level:** 2 out of 5
**Confidence level:** 65 percent
Seider was close to leading the league in blocked shots last season, finishing with 212, just six shy of the top spot. There’s a case for reducing his minutes to focus more on offensive play, but all signs suggest Detroit will continue to deploy him as they have. If his average ice time increases from last season’s 22:22, he could easily take the lead in blocked shots.
5. **Marco Kasper finishes the season in Detroit’s top six**
**Boldness level:** 4 out of 5
**Confidence level:** 40 percent
Despite a strong training camp, Kasper was sent to AHL Grand Rapids. However, I believe he has shown enough potential to earn a call-up and move up the lineup by season’s end. His two-way play and toughness make him a good fit for a third-line role, but Detroit could use his grit higher up in the lineup as well. I expect the team to adjust his position as needed, and his skills would add depth to their scoring lines.
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