Detroit Red Wings News

Dries is no stranger to the NHL, with 26 points (16G / 10A) in 122 career games, but he has exclusively played in the AHL the past three seasons. The undrafted 31-year-old forward has 37 points (20G / 17A) in 48 games with the Grand Rapids Griffins (AHL) this season.

With the Red Wings' top two centers, Dylan Larkin (lower body) and Andrew Copp (lower body), expected to miss the next two weeks, the team will need Gibson to be at his best as they battle for a playoff spot. The 32-year-old Gibson has arguably been Detroit's most valuable player this season, but he struggled in his most recent outing, allowing four goals on 28 shots (.857 SV%) in a 4-3 loss to the Florida Panthers. He has a 2.23 GAA and .917 SV% in his last six appearances (2-3-0). The Red Wings enter Thursday's contest as +187 road underdogs against a reeling Tampa Bay Lightning team that is 1-6-0 in its last seven games.

Already without Dylan Larkin (lower body), the Red Wings' depth at center took another hit on Tuesday, with Copp exiting Detroit's 4-3 loss to the Florida Panthers after just 10:01 time-on-ice. The two Red Wings forwards are both expected to miss the next two weeks. The 31-year-old Copp recorded an assist before leaving the game, giving him four points (0G / 4A) in his last five outings.

Initially hopeful to be an option on Detroit's four-game road trip, Larkin's return has been delayed for approximately two more weeks. With Andrew Copp (lower body) also out for the same timeframe, the Red Wings' depth at center ice will be put to the test while they battle for a playoff spot.

Leonard was effective in a brief stint with the Red Wings earlier this season, scoring four points (2G / 2A) in nine games, but has spent most of the 2025-26 campaign in the AHL. The 27-year-old forward has an impressive 41 points (27G / 14A) in 34 games with the Grand Rapids Griffins (AHL) this season.

Dries is no stranger to the NHL, with 26 points (16G / 10A) in 122 career games, but he has exclusively played in the AHL the past three seasons. The undrafted 31-year-old forward has 37 points (20G / 17A) in 48 games with the Grand Rapids Griffins (AHL) this season.

Initially hopeful to be an option on Detroit's four-game road trip, Larkin's return seems to be delayed until at least March 16th, when the team returns home to host the Calgary Flames. Andrew Copp (lower body) also suffered an injury on Tuesday, adding to the Red Wings' current lack of center depth.

Already without Dylan Larkin (lower body), the Red Wings' depth at center took another hit on Tuesday, with Copp exiting Detroit's 4-3 loss to the Florida Panthers after just 10:01 time-on-ice. The 31-year-old Copp recorded an assist before leaving the game, giving him four points (0G / 4A) in his last five outings. The severity of Copp's injury remains unclear, but he is not expected to play on Thursday against the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Gibson did not finish Sunday's 3-0 win over the New Jersey Devils due to an undisclosed ailment, but it appears to have just been precautionary, as he will return to the crease on Tuesday against the Florida Panthers. The 32-year-old Gibson played well on Friday against the Panthers, saving 20 of 22 shots (.909 SV%), but did not receive enough goal support, ultimately losing 3-1. Gibson has a tremendous 1.41 GAA and .944 SV% in his last six appearances (3-2-0). The Red Wings enter Tuesday's contest as slight +108 road underdogs against a Panthers team that will be without leading goal scorer Sam Reinhart (undisclosed).

The Panthers have been more liberal with their goalie usage in recent weeks and will turn to Tarasov on Tuesday against the Detroit Red Wings. The 26-year-old Tarasov has lost both of his starts since returning from the Olympic break (0-2-0), but has been serviceable nonetheless, posting a 2.56 GAA and .923 SV%. The Panthers enter Tuesday's contest as -127 home favourites against a Red Wings team they defeated 3-1 less than a week ago.

Larkin left Friday's loss to the Panthers after suffering a non-contact injury on a shot attempt. It didn't look good, but head coach Todd McLellan told reporters post-game that he doesn’t think it's long-term. He added that Larkin will undergo further evaluation to determine a timeline for his return.