The Detroit Red Wings begin their season tonight with an immediate test of their forward depth.
The New York Rangers visit Little Caesars Arena for a 6:30 p.m. ET puck drop on Friday, October 2. Detroit starts the 2026-27 campaign without Dylan Larkin, leaving the rest of the lineup to supply offense in the opener.
New York enters 1-1-0, while Detroit gets its first regular-season opportunity to turn preseason preparation into points.
Larkin’s absence changes the opening-night lineup
Larkin will miss Detroit’s first two games with an upper-body injury, coach Todd McLellan confirmed Thursday.
He continues working with the training staff. McLellan hopes for a return in the third game, but has not confirmed a return date.
Detroit loses a center who produced 34 goals and 67 points last season. Replacing those contributions will require more than moving one player up the lineup.
Raymond and DeBrincat lead the offensive watch
The projected forward lines place Andrew Copp between Alex DeBrincat and Lucas Raymond. Those combinations remain projections ahead of final lineup confirmation.
For Detroit, the question is how effectively the forwards create chances through the middle without Larkin. Raymond and DeBrincat give the Wings scoring options, but support from the other lines will matter.
The same preview projects Emmitt Finnie, J.T. Compher and Viktor Arvidsson together. Their ability to generate sustained offensive pressure is another matchup to follow as McLellan distributes responsibility.
Edvinsson’s contract situation adds another challenge
Simon Edvinsson returned to Sweden amid unresolved contract negotiations. His absence leaves Detroit preparing without another player who handled significant minutes last season.
The projected defense pairs Albert Johansson with Moritz Seider, Anton Johansson with Justin Faulk, and Ben Chiarot with Axel Sandin-Pellikka.
Clean exits from the defensive zone will be worth watching. Detroit needs its defensemen to help the forwards advance the puck and avoid extended shifts defending.
How to watch Red Wings vs. Rangers
Matchup: New York Rangers at Detroit Red Wings
Date: Friday, October 2, 2026
Puck drop: 6:30 p.m. ET
Venue: Little Caesars Arena, Detroit
Television: TNT and truTV
Streaming: HBO Max
Opening night gives Detroit an early look at how its lineup functions without Larkin and Edvinsson. Contributions beyond the leading scorers, disciplined play and fewer turnovers would give the Wings a stronger chance to start with a home win.
