G John Gibson: A-

Stats: 29-22-4 with a 2.72 goals-against average and .901 save percentage in 57 games.

Contract: $6.4 million AAV through 2027-28.

Buzz: Let’s be clear – since he found his groove at Thanksgiving, Gibson was the reason the Wings looked like they were going to make the playoffs. He bailed out his teammates time and again, only slipping a bit towards the end.

D Travis Hamonic: D

Stats: 2 assists, minus-11 in 26 games.

Contract: Unrestricted free agent.

Buzz: Spent most of his time as a healthy scratch.

D Albert Johansson: C+

Stats: 3 goals, 8 assists, minus-18 in 82 games.

Contract: $1.125 million AAV through 2026-27.

Buzz: Could be harder against opponents considering he does not see top matchups.

F Patrick Kane: B+

Stats:  16 goals, 41 assists, minus-1 in 67 games.

Contract: Unrestricted free agent.

Buzz: The 37-year-old was the team’s second-leading scorer with 25 points the last 26 games (behind DeBrincat’s 28). A clutch performer whose biggest issue is staying healthy, but at around $3 million, he’s well worth the investment.

F Marco Kasper: C-

Stats: 9 goals, 10 assists, minus-20 in 81 games.

Contract: $886,666 AAV through 2026-27.

Buzz: There was a slight uptick in his second-half play, but all in all, a disappointing sophomore season from a player the Wings hope can develop into a solid two-way center.

F Dylan Larkin: B+

Stats: 34 goals, 33 assists, plus-3 in 74 games.

Contract: $8.7 million AAV through 2030-31.

Buzz: Dealt with injuries down the stretch, but his work ethic never faltered. For those who don’t think he’s a No. 1 center, name 32 who are better.

F Carter Mazur: C+

Stats: No points, minus-3 in eight games.

Contract: Restricted free agent.

Buzz: Brought energy, but was put in a tough position when he was asked to help a team flailing after his call-up in late March.

F David Perron: D

Stats: 3 goals, minus-9 in 16 games with the Wings.

Contract: Unrestricted free agent.

Buzz: After undergoing sports hernia surgery in January, the trade-deadline acquisition just wasn’t able to bring the energy or scoring the Wings sought from their popular former teammate.

F Michael Rasmussen: D

Stats: 6 goals, 8 assists, minus-10 in 64 games.

Contract: $3.2 million AAV through 2027-28.

Buzz: Doesn’t bring nearly enough to the lineup. Had one point in the 28 games from Jan. 1 to the end of the season.

F Lucas Raymond: B

Stats: 25 goals, 51 assists, plus-1 in 80 games.

Contract: $8.075 million AAV through 2031-32.

Buzz: For a second straight year, he faltered coming out of an international event in February (4 Nations Face-Off in 2025, Olympics in 2026), with just 16 points the last 24 games.

D Axel Sandin-Pellikka: C

Stats: 7 goals, 14 assists, minus-20 in 68 games.

Contract: $918,333 AAV through 2027-28.

Buzz: Tons of talent, but the rookie’s risky maneuvers were anxiety-inducing.

D Moritz Seider: A

Stats: 10 goals, 50 assists, plus-15 in 82 games.

Contract: $8.55 million AAV through 2030-31.

The buzz: An absolute gem who delivers in all facets of the game. Had a career season, stats-wise

F Dominik Shine: C+

Stats: 3 goals, even rating in 18 games.

Contract: $875,000 AAV through 2027-28.

Buzz: Provided energy as a grinder.

G Cam Talbot: C

Stats:  12-9-6 with a 3.19 GAA and .883 save percentage in 34 games.

Contract: Unrestricted free agent.

Buzz: Wasn’t relied on much down the stretch and faced some tough assignments.

F James van Riemsdyk: C

Stats: 15 goals, 16 assists, minus-17 in 72 games.

Contract: Unrestricted free agents.

Buzz: 15 goals for $1 million (his salary in 2025-26) is quite respectable, but there was only one goal after the Olympic break. Plays big and goes to the net, like Tomas Holmstrom could attest, but he can’t be effective in that spot if teammates don’t get the puck there.

Coaching staff: B

Buzz: Todd McLellan and his staff emphasized three things from the start of camp: Be tougher to play against physically, mental toughness and game management. There were signs of improvement and resilience from players, but also signs of not being able to implement those facets when it mattered most – in March and April. McLellan and his staff has done the utmost to hold players accountable, and the failure to reach the playoffs reflects much more on players than McLellan.

Contact Helene St. James at hstjames@freepress.com.

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Her books: “The Franchise: Detroit Red Wings, A Curated History of Hockeytown,” and “On the Clock: Behind the Scenes with the Detroit Red Wings at the NHL Draft,” and “The Big 50: The Men and Moments that made the Detroit Red Wings” are available from Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Triumph Books. Personalized copies available via her e-mail.

Kaytron Allen, Penn State RB

Allen is a productive and powerful ball carrier who appeared in 54 games over his college career. During each of his last two seasons at Penn State, he rushed for more than 1,000 yards. He could fit well in new offensive coordinator Drew Petzing’s downhill running scheme. A bonus: He is durable.

Dallen Bentley, Utah TE

FOLLOW ALONG ON DAY 3: All 8 Detroit Lions draft picks in 2026 NFL Draft

A natural athlete, Bentley emerged as a productive contributor for Kyle Whittingham during the new Michigan coach’s final year in Salt Lake City. A better receiver than blocker, Bentley caught 48 passes for 648 yards and six touchdowns in 2025. No drops in 76 targets last season offer proof that Bentley has reliable hands.

Keionte Scott, Miami CB/S

Scott’s age may be a turnoff, considering he will turn 25 in August. But his physical style and position flexibility could pique the Lions’ interest. Last season, Scott produced five sacks – the second-highest total by any defensive back in the Football Bowl Subdivision.

Eli Heidenreich, Navy RB

The Lions like players with versatile skill sets. When they drafted Jahmyr Gibbs in 2023, they saw him more as an all-around talent than a traditional running back. While Heidenreich is not nearly as gifted as Gibbs, he fits a similar profile as an all-purpose player who functions well as a runner and pass-catcher.

Kyle Louis, Pittsburgh LB

Louis sparks intrigue because he operates like a defensive Swiss Army knife. He possesses the skills of a safety, which give him an edge at linebacker. With NFL teams employing more nickel formations, Louis could provide the Lions more flexibility to adjust their tactics. Widely projected as a Day 2 pick, Louis is still on the board.

Rayshaun Benny, Michigan DT

After the Lions traded up to draft Moore in the second round Friday, could the Lions take another member of Michigan’s 2025 defense this weekend? Benny could be one they target, given that he is a powerful player with a track record as a reliable run-stuffer. With Lopez and DJ Reader no longer on the roster, the Lions could use more beef on the interior and Benny – a Detroit native – could provide value as a solid depth piece.

Pat Coogan, Indiana, C

The Lions solidified the middle of their offensive line during free agency, signing Cade Mays. But it wouldn’t hurt to add more depth at center. Coogan could be a good option in the late rounds. While he is not the best athlete, he is cerebral and technically sound.

VJ Payne, Kansas State S

The 6-foot-3, 206-pound Payne, who was a team captain at Kansas State, has an intriguing physical profile that could interest the Lions. He would help buttress a position that is a bit of a question with starters Kerby Joseph (knee) and Brian Branch (Achilles) working their way back from season-ending injuries in 2025.

Harold Perkins Jr., LSU LB

The Lions seek out players with elite athletic traits. Perkins has them. He also possesses positional versatility, having played as an inside linebacker and edge rusher. Defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard, an LSU alum, could find creative ways to utilize Perkins’ skillset.

Contact Rainer Sabin at rsabin@freepress.com.