Heading into the 2025-26 season, the Red Wings have a lot to worry about. The Atlantic Division continues to improve, and two teams in particular pose a major threat to Detroit's playoff hopes.
Thomas Hickey of NHL Network has ranked two defensive groups from a pair of Red Wings' divisional rivals in the top five of the league. The reigning back-to-back Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers come in at No. 2, and the upstart Montreal Canadiens are listed at No. 5. Both defensive cores figure to be a lot to handle for the Red Wings this upcoming season.