NHL: Montreal Canadiens at Detroit Red Wings - Source: Imagn

3 Detroit Red Wings who might see a performance dip next season feat. Lucas Raymond

Modified Sep 01, 2024 03:17 GMT

The Detroit Red Wings have faced a long playoff drought, last making the postseason in 2016. However, the team’s rebuild seems to be bearing fruit with several young players taking major steps over the last few seasons.

The addition of savvy veterans has propelled the young core led by team captain Dylan Larkin to the fringes of the playoff picture in the Eastern Conference.

This upcoming season, the Detroit Red Wings could make it back to the postseason, but along the way, some players may see a dip in their performance.

So, here’s a look at three Detroit Red Wings who may see a regression in their numbers this upcoming season.

3 Detroit Red Wings who might see a performance dip next season

#3: J.T. Compher

Compher signed with the Detroit Red Wings as a free agent in the 2023 offseason following seven years with the Colorado Avalanche. In his last season with the Avs, Compher registered a career-high 52 points.

However, in his first season in Detroit, Compher regressed more toward his career averages. Still, he managed 19 goals and 48 points.

Based on his career numbers, it’s fair to assume that Compher may regress further, down to the 30 to 40-point range. Such a point total would be more in line with his usual career averages.

#2: Patrick Kane

Kane had a good year last season, totaling 47 points in 50 games with the Red Wings. Kane’s numbers have been good despite battling with injuries over the past four seasons.

Now 35, Kane may begin to show signs of decline, especially after 1,200 NHL games, including three Stanley Cups.

As such, it’s quite probable that Kane’s numbers may dip this upcoming seasons, moving further away from the point-per-game pace he’s been accustomed to throughout his career.

#1: Lucas Raymond

The Red Wings' first-round pick from 2020 had a breakout year in 2023-24, breaking the 30-goal plateau and topping 70 points for the first time in his young career.

While most would consider Raymond to be an emerging superstar, there’s a chance that Raymond’s numbers could take a step back this season. In his first two seasons, Raymond registered 57 and 45 points respectively.

Thus, it’s possible that Raymond’s numbers may dip into the 50 to 60-point range this upcoming season. Of course, Red Wings fans will be hoping that Raymond can take the next step and get closer to the 100-point mark.

Barring any major injuries, Raymond should have another quality season. However, fans shouldn’t be surprised if Raymond’s point totals slightly dip.