A look at the Red Wings’ most effective forward and defensive line combinations from the 2024–25 season, using advanced stats to break down what clicked and what didn’t
The Detroit Red Wings' season had its ups and downs, the team showed flashes of the playoff potential fans have been waiting for. With the season in the books, it's a good time to break down the Red Wings' line combinations to see what worked and what didn’t.
Some combinations clicked right away, driving offence and controlling play, while others struggled to find chemistry. In this breakdown, we’ll look at which lines were the most effective, how they were used, and what that could mean heading into next season. We used Moneypuck's advanced stats to break down each line's performance and evaluate how effective they were.
With a team-best 272.7 minutes played together, this Wings top line was an intruging sight from the start. They played 26 games together last season, giving 21-year-old Kasper valuable development time alongside two of the league’s top forwards. It’s unclear whether this line will be reunited next season, but if it is, expect continued growth from Kasper as he pushes toward becoming a future top-six forward.
Their 300 minute lead over any other Red Wings pair makes them a easy first place with over 883 minutes together on the blueline. With a net rating of -1 over 76 games together, Seider found a steady partner in 34-year-old veteran Ben Chiarot, whose experience brings stability and should continue to support Seider’s development during the final year of Chiarot’s contract.
The hopeful second line for the Wings next season had a solid +4 net rating last season after playing 192.2 minutes together over 30 games. While the top line with Raymond and Larkin garnering so much attention, the elite second line can help score key goals when the team needs and helps round out Detroit's top-six as one of the most elite in the league. An addition of Brock Boeser or another top line winger should keep this line together and make them dangerous for another season.
With a team-best +8 net rating, the young duo with the 22-year-old Edvinsson can give Seider and companion for years to come and grow elite line chemistry together that could rival the likes of Nicklas Lidström and Chris Chelios or Gustav Forsling and Aaron Ekblad. With nearly 500 minutes played together over 64 games, fans should be excited to see the development of this elite pairing.
