​Follow Michael Whitaker On X
As the Detroit Red Wings wait for a decision from unrestricted free agent forward Patrick Kane, several former Wings remain available on the open market. Among the most recognizable is Vladimir Tarasenko, who spent a single season in Detroit and, despite a promising start, finished with just 11 goals before being traded to the Minnesota Wild last offseason. While his start with the Wild was slow, a midseason boost from the addition of Quinn Hughes helped Tarasenko regain his form, and he concluded the campaign with 23 goals and 47 points overall.
Another notable former Red Wings forward is Anthony Mantha, a player once viewed as a potential cornerstone for the franchise. Mantha has yet to sign with any team. He posted a career-best 33 goals for the Pittsburgh Penguins last season on a one-year prove-it contract, but his camp is reportedly seeking a longer-term deal.
Other former Wings forwards still on the market include Robby Fabbri, Adam Erne, Luke Glendening, Gustav Nyquist, and Tomas Nosek. On defense, former Red Wings blue-liners Nick Leddy, Jeff Petry, and Brendan Smith are all unsigned. As these veterans approach the latter stages of their careers, some may be weighing retirement options.
In net, both James Reimer and Petr Mrazek remain free agents. Mrazek was re-acquired by Detroit at the 2025 NHL Trade Deadline from the Chicago Blackhawks and was subsequently involved in the John Gibson trade that sent him to Anaheim last summer, though injuries limited his availability for much of the season.
For fans who want to stay in the loop, subscribe to The Hockey News and bookmark the Detroit Red Wings section for the latest team news, game-day coverage, and compelling player features. The Hockey News also offers access to the full magazine archive and a complimentary issue through THN.com/free. To keep up with breaking developments, follow our updates and share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com or by starting a discussion in our community forum.