The Detroit Red Wings have nine unrestricted and restricted free agents, per Puck Pedia. Who are they, what role did they play with the Wings, and should they return in 2025-26? I’ll leave you to make the call for the latter, but I’ll share with you who these players are, and my thoughts on how they fared throughout what was another up-and-down season in Hockeytown.
Red Wings unrestricted free agents
Patrick Kane, F
Patrick Kane proved he still had something left in the tank, playing in 72 games and putting up 59 points and 21 goals. He was a reason the Red Wings power play clicked the way it did in 2024-25.
Craig Smith, F
Craig Smith was a newcomer who landed in Detroit via a trade that also involved Blackhawks teammate Petr Mrazek. Smith played in just 19 games and ended the year with two assists. He showed a physical edge with 26 hits.
Tyler Motte, F
Reliable when the Red Wings needed him to be when he saw action in 55 games. Motte was a solid fourth liner who finished the season with nine points and four goals. Like Smith, he displayed a physical nature, ending the year with 72 hits.
Jeff Petry, D
Jeff Petry battled injuries and showed up for just 44 contests, notching one goal and eight points. Still, he landed 51 body checks and 77 blocks, to go with a minus-2 rating. He proved he could still perform well despite his limited appearances, but age and durability are a factor.
William Lagesson, D
He saw time in seven games and recorded a single assist while averaging 14:34 of ice time per game. Lagesson factored in as organizational depth, but he made the most of his chances in the defensive zone, with seven blocks and six hits.
Alex Lyon, G
Alex Lyon was up and down in a contract season, securing an 0.896 save percentage, a 2.81 GAA, and a shutout. But with so many netminders in the lineup, will the Wings want him back, or is he destined to go elsewhere?
Restricted free agents
Jonatan Berggren, F
Jonatan Berggren has shown us his future, at best, is on the third line. With 24 points and 12 goals in 75 games, Berggren won’t help in scoring unless it’s for deep depth. His lack of physicality and minus-13 rating are also cause for concern. The Wings may look for an upgrade.
Elmer Soderblom, F
He finished the season with 11 points and four goals in 26 contests, along with a plus-2. Those are all good signs for Elmer Soderblom, especially since his average total ice time sat at 13:22. What impressed me, though, were his 43 hits, and that must continue if he’s back.
Albert Johansson, D
With three goals and nine points in 61 games, Albert Johansson isn’t offensive-oriented. But he’s a big hitter and shot blocker who could fare just fine when put onto the third pairing. Johansson, if given a qualifying offer, should see his role increase next season.
