fb
Saturday, February 8, 2025
HomeDetroit Red WingsRed Wings Analysis and Opinion3 Detroit Red Wings players who should not return next season

3 Detroit Red Wings players who should not return next season


Review our list of 3 Detroit Red Wings players who should be playing elsewhere next season.

Following Tuesday night's loss to the Washington Capitals, the Detroit Red Wings are teetering on the edge. Although there remains a mathematical possibility of securing a Stanley Cup Playoff spot, their prospects were significantly dimmed by the regulation loss. If they fail to make the postseason for an eighth consecutive year, it would mark a new low for the franchise, prompting an evaluation of the roster for the upcoming season. We have a list of 3 Detroit Red Wings players who should be playing elsewhere next season.

3 Detroit Red Wings players

Andrew Copp

Andrew Copp

Simply put, Andrew Copp has not lived up to the expectations that came with his hefty contract that sees him get paid nearly $6 million per year. He's registered only 33 points (13 goals, 20 assists) in 77 games played in his second year of the five-year contract, which followed up last year's output of 41 points (nine goals, 33 assists).

He was brought in with the expectation of serving as a second-line center, but he's failing to meet the anticipated performance level. According to Spotrac, if GM Steve Yzerman opts to buy out his contract, it would incur a salary cap hit of $1,260,417 annually for the 2024-25 season. This figure increases to $1,760,417 in 2025-26, followed by a jump to $3,135,417 in 2026-27. Subsequently, the remaining four years of the buyout would carry a slightly higher cap hit of $1,885,417 through the 2030-31 season.

He's first on the list of the 3 Detroit Red Wings players who should not be with the team next season.

Ville Husso

Ville Husso

Acquired to take on the role of Detroit's starting goaltender, Husso experienced a rollercoaster season last year, his debut with the team following his acquisition from the St. Louis Blues and subsequent signing of a 3-year contract. However, this season has seen Husso frustratingly struggle with inconsistency, not only in his performance on the ice but also with regard to his health.

In the games he's participated in this season, he's managed a respectable 9-5-2 record. However, his performance metrics tell a different story, with a goals-against average of 3.55 and a save percentage of .892, both falling significantly below the standards expected of a starting goaltender. Additionally, he has endured two prolonged absences due to separate lower-body injuries.

Jeff Petry

Jeff Petry

The last name on our list of 3 Detroit Red Wings players who should not come back next season is none other than Jeff Petry, who has emerged as one of Detroit's most criticized players, with his debut year for the Red Wings characterized by a series of glaring defensive mistakes punctuated by occasional satisfactory performances. However, at over 35 years old, he finds himself outside the team's long-term plans.

Petry's presence on the blue line is a hindrance rather than an asset for a team aiming to break their extended postseason absence. Despite his veteran status and experience, his frequent on-ice errors this season outweigh any leadership he may provide.

RELATED ARTICLES

Most Popular

- Advertisment -

Recent Comments