Detroit Red Wings
Following Uneventful Camp, Red Wings Hoping For Eventful Season
Red Wings seeking first playoff berth since 2016

As the Detroit Red Wings prepare to open the 2024-25 NHL regular on Thursday by playing host to the Pittsburgh Penguins, everyone can agree on one point – training camp went pretty much as expected.
Forward lines and defense pairings for this game are bascially what most people would’ve projected them to be a month ago. As was anticipated, the team is keeping three goalies.
For the most part, the players who were most likely to be getting assignment to the minors are the ones presently with the AHL Grand Rapids Griffins.
"We're all excited for the real deal."
🎥 Ras, Ray, Newsy » https://t.co/NB3jUYKLYV pic.twitter.com/nAg9UTtuxE
— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) October 8, 2024
It’s not a stretch to be suggesting that training camp and the NHL preseason were relatively uneventful. Now the question is this – can the Red Wings follow it up with the most eventful season of the Steve Yzerman GM era?
Just don’t go asking Detroit coach Derek Lalonde about long-range projections for his club. He’s all about process.
“If you start talking about being where we were at the end of last season, you’re talking outcome and it never works that way if you get lost with what you’re doing daily,” Lalonde said. “Only focus since our last exhibition game was our opening night.”
Coach Confident Red Wings Will Stay In Moment
As they were battling for a playoff spot last season, Lalonde was a fan of how his team never got caught up in the big picture.
“We did a really good job of staying in the moment,” Lalonde said. “I think the guys are motivated. I think they saw what it looked like, what it took.”
Certainly, it’s going to look different on the ice for the Red Wings this season. Personnel, perception and perspectives have all changed.
There are expectations being placed upon this squad.
“The reality of it, we sat here last year coming off an 80-point season and no one had us in the playoffs,” Lalonde said. “I understand it.
“It was a little motivation for our group. I thought they pushed. We improved 11 points. But when you get to the brink, as a natural step you have to take, of course expectations have changed.
“It’ll be a little different challenge for our group, how we ride some highs and lows, but I still think it’s about taking care of your game in the moment.”
Rugged Road Right Off The Bat
Teams won’t be taking the Wings lightly. Right out of the gate, the road is rough. There are immediate home-and-homes with Nashville and the Rangers among Detroit’s first five games.
“Everyone has those types of stretches in their schedule,” Lalonde said. “We have it at the start and Stanley Cup final could be Nashville-Rangers.
I'll go, I'll go, I'll go, I'll go, I'll go.
Be there Opening Night » https://t.co/OqaUnyLJyQ pic.twitter.com/hCxiPrAZTf
— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) October 8, 2024
“This will be a really good test for us. I’m looking forward to it.”
As Red Wings fans are looking forward to seeing exactly what this team can accomplish in the 82 games ahead.