The Detroit Red Wings are relying on Andrew Copp to take over the top line in place of Dylan Larkin, who is currently out due to an upper-body injury.
During training camp, Copp was paired with high-scoring wingers Alex DeBrincat and Lucas Raymond. While Copp has experience as a top-six center, his performance has declined since he recorded 42 points in the 2022-23 season. Now in the final year of his five-year contract, Copp needs to step up during Larkin’s absence to keep the team’s hopes alive.
The Red Wings also considered younger player Marco Kasper for the position, but he is not ready to be the top-line center. The team lacks options, so Copp must perform well alongside DeBrincat and Raymond. The Red Wings would like to acquire a top-line center, but such players are rare, leaving them with little choice but to depend on Copp this season.
