Ex-Red Wings: Flourishing Beyond Detroit
Key Contributions from Former Red Wings in Pittsburgh
The Pittsburgh Penguins roster features two former Red Wings forwards who have emerged as vital assets for the team's surprisingly strong 2025-26 campaign. Left-winger Elmer Soderblom, after his trade from Detroit to Pittsburgh on March 6, recorded impressive statistics with 5 goals and 5 assists in 20 games. His goal-scoring pace during this period rivaled or surpassed many current Red Wings players, including Alex DeBrincat, Patrick Kane, and Dylan Larkin. Joining Soderblom in Pittsburgh is right-winger Anthony Mantha, a 2013 Detroit first-round draft pick, who led the Penguins in scoring this season with 33 goals.
Minnesota Wild Benefits from Former Detroit Talent
The Minnesota Wild also boasts a pair of former Red Wings on its roster. Right-winger Vladimir Tarasenko has been a prolific scorer for the Wild, netting 23 goals this season after a less productive 11 goals with Detroit in 2024-25. Additionally, defenseman Jeff Petry, whose father was a Detroit Tigers pitcher, was acquired by Minnesota from the Florida Panthers at the NHL trade deadline, further solidifying their defensive corps.
Oilers and Senators Feature Familiar Faces
The Edmonton Oilers' playoff squad includes defenseman Jake Walman and goalie Calvin Pickard, both of whom were instrumental in the Oilers' journey to the Stanley Cup final last spring. Elsewhere, the Ottawa Senators have welcomed back goalie James Reimer and defenseman Nick Jensen. Notably, Jensen was traded by former GM Ken Holland just months before Steve Yzerman took over the Red Wings' general manager position.
Goaltenders and Other Players Making an Impact
In Anaheim, goalies Villie Husso and Petr Mrazek serve as backups for Lukas Dostal on the Anaheim Ducks. Husso has even been nominated for the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy, recognizing his perseverance and dedication to hockey. Goaltender Alex Lyon played a pivotal role in ending the Buffalo Sabres' 14-year playoff drought, securing 20 wins with a .907 save percentage and a 2.74 goals-against average, having previously played for the Red Wings from 2022-24. Other former Red Wings currently in the playoffs include Philadelphia Flyers center Luke Glendening, Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere, Dallas Stars left-winger Adam Erne, and Montreal Canadiens center Joe Veleno, all contributing to their respective teams' postseason aspiration
