Detroit Red Wings Season Preview 2025‑26: Stability, Gibson’s Health, and a Penalty Kill Reboot

0 Diana khan August 11, 2025

Todd McLellan’s first full season behind the bench promises something Red Wings fans have craved—genuine system stability. The biggest question? John Gibson’s health. Can this newly acquired 32-year-old netminder endure the rigors of an NHL campaign and finally end Detroit’s goalie carousel?

Equally pressing: can Detroit dig itself out of the league’s worst penalty-kill train wreck last season (a staggering 70.1%—fourth worst in NHL history)? Early signs say yes. With McLellan implementing his structure from Day One, and Gibson bringing poise when the back wall crumbles, this could be the turnaround fans have waited years for. But will it stick?

Key Pre-Season Dates & the Two Big Questions facing the Detroit Red Wings

Detroit Red Wings Pre-Season Schedule – Dates, Times & Locations
Here’s everything you need to pencil into your calendar:

Tuesday, September 23, 2025 vs. Chicago Blackhawks at Little Caesars Arena, 7:00 p.m. ET
Thursday, September 25, 2025 vs. Buffalo Sabres at Little Caesars Arena, 7:00 p.m. ET
Friday, September 26, 2025 @ Pittsburgh Penguins (PPG Paints Arena), 7:00 p.m. ET
Saturday, September 27, 2025 @ Buffalo Sabres (KeyBank Center), 3:00 p.m. ET
Monday, September 29, 2025 vs. Pittsburgh Penguins at Little Caesars Arena, 7:00 p.m. ET
Tuesday, September 30, 2025 @ Chicago Blackhawks (United Center), 8:00 p.m. ET
Thursday, October 2, 2025 @ Toronto Maple Leafs (Scotiabank Arena), 7:00 p.m. ET
Saturday, October 4, 2025 vs. Toronto Maple Leafs at Little Caesars Arena, 7:00 p.m. ET

Expert Rumor & Insight

Detroit enters this 100th franchise season with a rare sense of calm. McLellan, having anchored the ship since December 2024, finally has authority—no mid‑season coaching shake‑ups. The acquisition of John Gibson is shrewd: a vetted, stable presence to end years of rotating netminders—13 different starters since 2019‑20.

Big Question #1: Will Gibson Remain Healthy?
At 32, Gibson brings pedigree—but age and wear in the creases loom. His 2024‑25 season with Anaheim was marred by injury: 29 games, 11‑11‑2 record, 2.77 GAA, .912 save percentage. Cam Talbot, aged 38, offers veteran depth, while 23‑year‑old Sebastian Cossa lurks in the wings, giving the staff a younger insurance policy.

Big Question #2: Can the Penalty Kill Improve?
Last season’s penalty kill was historically atrocious—70.1%, the lowest since the modern era, and fourth worst in league history. But McLellan’s structure and practice fidelity could flip that narrative. Expect forward Andrew Copp and J.T. Compher to anchor the first PK unit alongside defensemen Ben Chiarot and Moritz Seider—add Gibson’s calm when chaos strikes, and this penalty kill might go from historic embarrassment to harassing nightmares.

In sum: system stability + elite goaltending + defensive discipline could unlock a surprising venom this season.