The Detroit Red Wings are facing a huge 2026 NHL offseason. After collapsing in a major way down the stretch and extending their playoff drought to 10 years, there is no question that changes are coming the Red Wings’ way.
Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman was transparent following the team’s season while speaking to reporters. Yzerman made it clear that the Red Wings need “better players,” so it is certainly fair to assume that he will be looking to make some serious upgrades to the team’s roster this offseason. It is undoubtedly needed, as the Red Wings simply are not good enough right now.
With the Red Wings looking to make changes to their roster, it is very likely that multiple players from this season’s roster won’t be back for the 2026-27 season. Due to this, let’s take a look at three Red Wings who have likely played their final games in Detroit.
Cam Talbot Likely Won’t Be Re-Signed After Rough Season
One pending unrestricted free agent (UFA) who likely won’t be back with the Red Wings next season is goaltender Cam Talbot. The 38-year-old struggled with the Red Wings this season, as evidenced by his .883 save percentage and 3.19 goals-against average in 34 games. This was after he had a .900 save percentage and a 2.93 goals-against average in 47 games for Detroit in 2024-25.
With Talbot struggling this season and Detroit having top goalie prospects Sebastian Cossa and Trey Augustine, it is likely that Talbot won’t be back next season. Despite his down year, he could generate interest in free agency due to his strong resume.
David Perron’s Shaky Second Stint With Red Wings Should Come to an End
With the Red Wings being in the playoff race at the deadline, they reacquired veteran forward David Perron from the Ottawa Senators. The move made sense at the time, as the 37-year-old winger was expected to give the Red Wings’ bottom six a nice boost. However, he cooled off immensely after being traded to Detroit, posting three goals and a minus-9 rating in 16 games.
The fit was just not there for Perron during his second stint with Detroit, so it would not be shocking in the slightest if the Red Wings let him walk straight into free agency. In 65 games this season split between Ottawa and Detroit, he had 13 goals, 15 assists, 28 points, and 90 hits.
Travis Hamonic Should Be Done in Detroit
Travis Hamonic is another pending UFA who very likely won’t be back with the Red Wings next season. The 35-year-old defenseman had a tough season in Detroit, posting zero goals, two assists, and a minus-11 rating in 26 games.
With the Red Wings looking to be a playoff team next season, it would be surprising if they brought back Hamonic. They need to be making upgrades to their blueline, and Hamonic’s rough season with Detroit should make them move on from him. Teams looking for defensive depth could consider signing the 35-year-old blueliner, but he is probably a seventh defenseman at best at this stage in his career.
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