Breaking down all of the Detroit Red Wings free agents and their likelihood of staying or moving on.
As the off‑season nears, the Detroit Red Wings face pivotal decisions on a mix of veteran leaders, rising contributors, and depth players whose contracts expire in mid‑June.
The team must consider several aspects for each player on an expiring contract with experience, cap flexibility, and development potential against immediate needs all playing a role. This year's free agency class is one of the most loaded in years and will make for some tough decisions for Steve Yzerman and the rest of the Red Wings management team.
Here’s an in-depth breakdown of the Detroit Red Wings' 2025 free agents, highlighting which players might be back next season and who could be on their way out of the Motor City.
The 32-year-old goaltender turned in a solid campaign this past season, finishing with a 14-9-1 record and a 2.81 goals-against average over 30 games. Since joining the Red Wings two years ago, he’s quietly provided dependable support in net, amassing a 35-27-6 record and a 2.96 goals against average during that span. His consistency and ability to step in when needed make him a solid candidate for a budget-friendly contract extension as Detroit looks to maintain depth.
Despite entering the latter stages of his 30s, Kane turned in an impressive 59-point performance (21 goals, 38 assists) over 72 games this past season. His production placed him among the league’s top 90 scorers, reaffirming his status as a reliable top-six forward.
Beyond his on-ice contributions, the three-time Stanley Cup champion brings invaluable experience and a winning pedigree, continuing to serve as a mentor for emerging talents like Lucas Raymond, Marco Kasper and Jonatan Berggren. Given his leadership and steady production, Kane is certainly worth strong consideration for a return especially at a reasonable cap hit.
Smith appeared in just 19 games for Detroit after being traded from Chicago mid-season and went on to produce just two assists and no goals. The veteran forward is starting to show his age with just 54 points over his last 198 games dating back to the 2022-23 season. Despite spending most of his career as a reliable top-nine forward with 40-50 point upside, he's potentially lost his step and makes his return to the Red Wings next season unlikely.
A staple on Detroit’s fourth line and top penalty kill unit, Motte logged 55 games in 2024–25 and totaled nine points (four goals, five assists) with a −11 plus/minus rating. His cap hit at $800 K delivered 35 hits, solid energy, and defensive grit for a bottom six forward that clocks in under 10 minutes average ice time. Motte could be brought back as a bottom of the lineup piece once again and will try to continue to operate as a low‑cost, high‑effort option who could fit the budget-minded rebuild.
As a restricted free agent, Berggren established himself in 75 games this season, tallying 24 points (12 goals, 12 assists) with a −13 rating. Towards the end of the season, he was playing first line minutes with captain Dylan Larkin and Lucas Raymond. He showed his young age when receiving a $2,148 fine for a cross check in a mid‑December but coming off a one-year deal at $825 K, he’s likely to receive a qualifying offer as Detroit rewards a burgeoning two‑way forward still growing into his game.
The towering 6-foot-8 winger contributed heavily when he was in the lineup—posting 11 points (four goals, seven assists) in just 26 NHL appearances, earning a +2 plus/minus. Detroit can continue to help the young Swede develop his game with a qualifying offer and keep him around with the potential of a bottom six role for next season.
Petry has anchored bluelines for years and did once again last season, where he tallied eight points in 44 games but finished with a solid −2 plus/minus for a losing team and saw meaningful minutes at 14 per game. A seasoned defenseman with playmaking skills, Petry provides veteran savvy but carries age‑related caution, that will likely make a re-signing not possible.
Lagesson served as emergency NHL depth, appearing in only seven games and spending most of the season with AHL Grand Rapids. He remained a non-factor in the minors as well with just nine points in 23 games. Limited contribution and an expiring one-year deal likely signals an end to Lagesson's time with the Red Wings organization.
The rookie defenceman stepped into the lineup and made his impact felt early on, playing a meaningful 16 minutes of average ice time and nabbing nine points (three goals, six assists) in 61 games. After signing a one‑year extension in June 2024, he’s poised for continued involvement as a mobile, left‑handed defence option with a qualifying offer to retain him likely on it's way.
