The Detroit Red Wings are off to a difficult start this season. They are last in the Atlantic Division standings with a 7-8-3 record right now.
Lately, the Red Wings have been experiencing a cooling trend, dropping their last three games.
However, the Red Wings’ current troubles aren’t particularly unexpected. Simon Edvinsson remains a restricted free agent and wants to move as well, while Dylan Larkin refuses to play in anticipation of a trade.
One of their ex-players is still a free agent while Detroit struggles early in the season.
Former Detroit Red Wings free agent bust has not yet signed a contract.
Surprisingly, former Red Wings forward Vladimir Tarasenko is still a free agent more than four months after entering the market.
After having a fantastic 2025–26 season with the Minnesota Wild, Tarasenko remains a free agent. Throughout the 2025–26 season, he played in 75 Wild games and scored 23 goals, 24 assists, and 47 points.
Given these figures, it’s astonishing that Tarasenko hasn’t yet signed a deal for the season. He could be a solid short-term contract addition for a contender. Because he not only can still generate solid secondary scoring, but he also has two Stanley Cup championships under his belt.
