The 2025-26 NHL regular season begins on Oct. 7. Leading up to the season opener, NHL.com is identifying six things to watch for each team. Today, the Detroit Red Wings.

Coach: Todd McLellan (second season)

Last season: 39-35-8, sixth in Atlantic Division; missed Stanley Cup Playoffs

Biggest challenge

The Red Wings need to defend better. Detroit allowed 259 goals last season, 12th most in the NHL, and the penalty kill (70.1 percent) ranked last in the League despite totaling the third-fewest penalty minutes (557). The end result was missing the playoffs for a ninth straight season. Defensemen Jacob Bernard-Docker and Travis Hamonic each signed a one-year contract during the offseason, but it remains to be seen if those additions will lead to improvement. Defenseman Simon Edvinss

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