Red Wings Rookie Event Facing Uncertain Future

For the first time in decades, there were no Detroit Red Wings rookie games held in Traverse City. Instead, Detroit took a team of prospects to Frisco, Texas, for a two-game series against the rookies of the Dallas Stars.

What’s the plan for the future? Returning to Traverse City? Heading back to Texas?

Ondrej Becher on the board pic.twitter.com/c2jmuQioIQ

— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) September 15, 2025

Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman frankly admits that he has no idea.

“The future of the camp or the tournament, whatever you want to call it, is undecided, undetermined,” Yzerman said.

The landscape of the NHL preseason will be changing next fall. As the league is going from 82 to 84 regular-season games in 2026-27, the NHL is cutting the preseason slate in half from eight to four games.

That’s going to provide a very limited opportunity for NHL prospects to display their wares against seasoned pros. And it’s creating a level of concern among hockey people that extends far beyond Detroit.

“With the league going to four preseason games next year, I’ve spoken to several GMs around the league about what their plan is,” Yzerman said. “How they’re going to handle preseason, what they’re going to do with the rookie tournaments, the rookie camps, American League preseason games. All sorts of things like that.”

Red Wings Wondering What Future Holds For Prospect Games

For years, the Red Wings played host to an NHL rookie tournament that at its height swelled to eight teams and was the envy of the league.

As with any great idea, it was subject to copycats. Rival rookie tournaments held in modern NHL practice facilities pulled teams away from Traverse City.

It had dwindled to two teams by last season – Detroit and Dallas. That’s why the Red Wings made a reciprocal visit to Texas this fall.

Puck drop coming up! #LGRW pic.twitter.com/uMn3cmkcb6

— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) September 14, 2025

Where the Red Wings’ rookies will be going next is anyone’s guess.

“So we don’t really have a plan for next year,” Yzerman admitted. “We’re gonna figure out what to do.

“Our options are simply to do nothing. Maybe put together, form a new group for a little tournament. Or maybe just hold more of a development camp like we do in July.

“So we’ll kind of figure out what makes the most sense and the best use of the players’ time.”