Welcome to Wednesday, friends. We’re getting ready for the 2025 NHL Draft, which gets underway on Friday night. In the meantime, there are a couple of headlines to talk about.
The Red Wings have announced a presale for Centennial events. Also announced by the team, a new uniform:
Red Wings Centennial Jersey – Inspired by 100 years of hard work, perseverance, and dedication, this new uniform will be unveiled in late summer 2025. This jersey will pay tribute to the franchise’s rich history by blending both modern and original detailing, available for purchase beginning in September 2025.
Henrik Zetterberg was snubbed from this year’s Hockey Hall of Fame induction. The men inducted were Duncan Keith, Zdeno Chara, Joe Thornton, and Alexander Moginly. Was happy to see Moginly get the call, but it’s a slight bummer that Zetterberg didn’t make the cut. The former Red Wings captain will have to wait another year for his next chance to be etched into hockey history. (he already has been in my mind)
The women inducted this year are Brianna Decker and Jennifer Botterill — both very deserving.
Meanwhile, the Red Wings have announced the 2025 preseason schedule. Too many games if you ask me, but I’m a preseason grump. Give me like, two or three games max.
Trevor Zegras has long been linked to Detroit for some reason. That can be put to bed now — Anaheim traded Zegras to Philadelphia in exchange for a couple of draft picks and forward Ryan Poehling. I like the pickup for Philly, seems like an easy price to digest. If it were the Red Wings making this deal, I would imagine the comparable would have been a couple of picks and someone like Michael Rasmussen. Would I have made that deal? Yeah, probably. At the same time, I don’t think Zegras is the type of player Detroit needs right now. The problem with the Red Wings is that they lack identity — and I’m not sure Zegras would help there. Even Max Bultman noted that developing a harder identity should be a priority this offseason. We all know that Detroit needs to get tougher to play against, and I think Steve Yzerman and Todd McLellan both know that. Just my opinion!!
We’re still waiting for news on the Patrick Kane front. I assume a deal will get done, but you can count out the idea of bringing in Jonathan Toews — he’s already signed with Winnipeg. Apparently the Red Wings are making a push for Max Pacioretty. Wouldn’t hate that, but I think Toronto re-signs him.
That’s it for now. Go check out Kyle K’s 2025 NHL Draft primer!
