As training camp nears, the Detroit Red Wings face a crucial decision of who will fill in as the first-line left wing.

The Detroit Red Wings are a little under a month away from in-game action as they prepare for training camp and pre-season. One of the few remaining question marks left in the Detroit lineup is the top line left wing spot. It's unclear as of right now who will occupy the left wing of Lucas Raymond and Dylan Larkin with fewer solutions becoming available. 

The team reportedly hopes to keep their second line of Marco Kasper, Patrick Kane, and Alex DeBrincat intact, as the trio showed strong chemistry and offensive potential last season. With that line likely staying together, the coaching staff will need to look elsewhere to fill the top-line left wing role. Whether that means promoting from within, giving a young prospect a shot, or making a late offseason move. There are still several names in the mix, and each brings a different set of strengths and risks to consider. 

Red Wings' Larkin Cracks NHL Network’s Top 20 Centres List for 2025Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin named to NHL Network's top 20 centres list for 2025

Veteran Netfront Presence in van Riemsdyk

The early lineup reports have recent Red Wings' add James van Riemsdyk on the top line left wing spot and this does make a bit of sense. During last season with the Columbus Blue Jackets, van Riemsdyk occasionally played top line minutes at times with Sean Monahan and it worked out quite well for them. JVR posted 16 goals, his highest total in three seasons, and finished with 36 points, marking the eighth time he was able to do so in his last nine seasons. 

It's not an elite option like they were hoping for but a big body in front to screen the goaltender could help boost the production of the other forwards getting better openings same for defenceman like Moritz Seider or Simon Edvinsson from the point. 

Bookmark The Hockey News Detroit Red Wings team site to stay connected to the latest news, game-day coverage, and player features. 

Rookie Opportunity

One potential option that some contending teams have been rumored to be exploring is giving a big chance to an up-and-coming prospect for top line minutes with two elite linemates. This can hopefully fast track their development and work as a low-cost option on an entry-level deal compared to a player with millions coming in against the cap. The back-to-back Western Conference Champion Edmonton Oilers are rumored to be experimenting with this as they would like to give high-end prospect Isaac Howard a chance to carve out a meaningful role. 

This is expected to be a role on the top line with one of the best players in the league in Connor McDavid with the elite Zach Hyman on his opposite wing. The Red Wings have several options they could use for this method like former first round pick Nate Danielson or former third round pick Carter Mazur, who are both expected to contend for NHL roster spots this September. 

Yzerman, Red Wings Parts Ways with In-State Standout, Signs with Sabres AffiliateThe Detroit Red Wings lose rights to former draft pick and Michigan State captain Red Savage as he signs with Sabres AHL affiliate.

Sign Fabbri? Offer Sheet McTavish? Max Pacioretty?

There are still several options on the market worth exploring for the position. Veterans like Max Pacioretty or Tomas Tatar, both possibly nearing unofficial retirement, remain available. There are also younger reclamation projects such as former first-round pick Jakub Vrana who could offer some upside. 

Another intriguing possibility is bringing back former Red Wing Robby Fabbri. Despite being limited to just 44 games last season due to an upper-body injury, he could be an option if healthy as he had his most productive years in Detroit. From 2020 to 2024, Fabbri recorded 127 points with 61 goals in 234 games. His 61 goals rank third and his points rank sixth on the team during that span, all while averaging just under 16 minutes of ice time per game. His 0.54 points per game average suggests he could potentially reach the 45 to 50 point range in a larger role. Fabbri could be a low-cost, short-term experiment who could easily be moved down the lineup if it does not work out. 

Lastly, the most unlikely option is trying to put in an offer sheet for Anaheim Ducks forward Mason McTavish. The young, growing talent is a restricted free agent with the Red Wings having been involved in trade talks with for some time. Not much news has come out about the situation since but as we draw very close to the season it seems unlikely he will be moved.

“My Heart Beat Faster”: Sergei Fedorov Recaps Finding Out Of Jersey Retirement NewsThe iconic No. 91 jersey of former Detroit Red Wings forward Sergei Fedorov will soon be taking its rightful place in the rafters of Little Caesars Arena, and will be displayed alongside the eight previously retired numbers that include his teammates Steve Yzerman and Nicklas Lidstrom.

Never miss a story by adding us to your Google News favorites.