Three Detroit Red Wings Players Who Are Unlikely to Return Next Season
The Detroit Red Wings are heading into what could be one of their most important offseasons in recent years. After suffering a disappointing late-season collapse and missing the playoffs once again—stretching their postseason drought to ten consecutive years—it is clear that major roster changes are expected.
General manager Steve Yzerman openly acknowledged the team’s shortcomings when addressing the media after the season ended. He stated that the organization needs “better players,” signaling that significant upgrades are likely on the way during the 2026 offseason. Based on how the team performed, those improvements appear necessary if Detroit hopes to become a serious playoff contender.
As the franchise looks to reshape its roster, several players from this season may have already played their final games in Detroit. Here are three Red Wings who seem unlikely to return for the 2026–27 campaign.
Cam Talbot May Not Be Re-Signed After Difficult Season
Veteran goaltender Cam Talbot is one pending unrestricted free agent who may not be back next season. The 38-year-old struggled throughout the year, posting an .883 save percentage along with a 3.19 goals-against average in 34 appearances. Those numbers represented a decline from the previous season, when he recorded a .900 save percentage and a 2.93 goals-against average in 47 games for Detroit.
Considering Talbot’s inconsistency and the organization’s promising young goaltending prospects, including Sebastian Cossa and Trey Augustine, the Red Wings may choose to move in a younger direction. While Talbot still has experience and a respectable NHL résumé, Detroit may decide it is time to part ways.
David Perron’s Return to Detroit Could Be Short-Lived
At the trade deadline, Detroit reunited with veteran winger David Perron in hopes that he could strengthen the team’s bottom-six forward group during the playoff push. The move appeared logical at the time, especially given Perron’s familiarity with the organization and his veteran presence.
However, his second stint with the Red Wings did not go as planned. After the trade, Perron struggled to make an impact, registering only three goals and finishing with a minus-9 rating in 16 games. Across 65 total games this season split between the Ottawa Senators and Detroit, he totaled 13 goals, 15 assists, 28 points, and 90 hits.
Because the fit did not seem to work this time around, Detroit may allow Perron to enter free agency rather than offer him another contract.
Travis Hamonic Is Also a Likely Departure
Defenseman Travis Hamonic is another unrestricted free agent who appears unlikely to remain in Detroit. The 35-year-old endured a difficult season, producing no goals, only two assists, and a minus-11 rating in 26 games.
If the Red Wings are serious about ending their playoff drought next season, they will likely need to strengthen their defensive group. Re-signing Hamonic would not align with that objective given his struggles this year. While another team may consider him for veteran depth, he now appears better suited for a limited role as a seventh defenseman rather than a regular lineup spot.
Final Thoughts
Detroit’s disappointing season has placed pressure on management to make meaningful improvements. With younger talent pushing for opportunities and the team in need of upgrades across the roster, players such as Talbot, Perron, and Hamonic may be among the first to move on as the Red Wings attempt to build a more competitive squad for next season.
