Every forward grade for 2023-2024 season of Detroit Red Wings

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William Austin
June 26, 2024 (10:07)

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During the previous season, an assessment was conducted to evaluate the performance of each player on the 2023-24 Detroit Red Wings like Patrick Kane, Dylan Larkin, Lucas Raymond and more.

Just note that only players who took part in at least 10 games with the Detroit Red Wings were considered for evaluation.

Dylan Larkin: A+
In his role as captain, Dylan Larkin proved to be the team MVP and the driving force behind the Red Wings. Despite facing injuries in December and March, Larkin's presence significantly impacted the team's performance, with the Red Wings winning only four games during his absence. He maintained an impressive point-per-game pace and achieved a career-high in goals, demonstrating exceptional leadership and skill.

Lucas Raymond: A+
Lucas Raymond started the season as a reliable goal scorer and displayed increased physicality as the season progressed. However, it was in the second half of the season where he truly excelled, emerging as a superstar for the team. He led the team in points and achieved his first 30-goal season, exceeding the team's expectations for the young player.

Patrick Kane: A+
Patrick Kane's signing with the Red Wings brought undeniable impact, defying concerns about his previous surgery. He exhibited his trademark skill and playmaking abilities, achieving nearly a point per game and a 20-goal season. Kane's presence on the ice was truly remarkable, solidifying his status as a valuable addition to the team.

Alex Debrincat: A-
Acquiring Alex Debrincat from Ottawa addressed the team's need for goal-scoring capabilities. Although his goal-scoring consistency wavered as the season progressed, Debrincat compensated with his playmaking abilities. Despite some fluctuations, there is confidence in his potential to achieve a 30-goal season in the future.

Christian Fischer: B+
Fulfilling his role as a solid bottom 6 winger, Christian Fischer provided valuable defensive contributions while also becoming a beloved figure in the locker room. His performance as part of the "Grind Line," alongside Andrew Copp and Michael Rassmussen, was commendable, further solidifying his importance to the team.

J.T. Compher: B+
Signed as a free agent, J.T. Compher effectively filled the role of the second-line center and made significant contributions to the team's improved defense. Despite not being a primary goal scorer, he achieved a career-high in goals, demonstrating his value to the Red Wings.

David Perron: B
David Perron's performance exhibited some decline, evident in reduced speed, scoring, and increased penalties. However, he maintained his reputation as a skilled puck protector and made valuable contributions to the team's power play unit. Despite some on-ice challenges, Perron's impact was noteworthy.

Daniel Sprong: B
Daniel Sprong had a strong first half of the season, showing excellent scoring ability but his performance declined in the second half, mainly due to defensive issues. Overall, he performed well as a bottom 6 scoring winger.

Robby Fabbri: B
Robby Fabbri had a good season, staying healthy after missing some games early on. He utilized his skill in crashing the net and scored decently, providing depth scoring in the bottom 6.

Andrew Copp: B-
Despite being moved down to the third line center, Andrew Copp remained effective on the penalty kill and formed a solid line with Rassmussen and Fischer. Despite his reduced role, he performed well, except for concerns about his contract.

Michael Rasmussen: B-
Michael Rasmussen had a solid year, showcasing good defensive play and contributing to the penalty kill. He also learned to play a more physical game and earned a contract extension, reflecting the Red Wings' faith in his value.

Joe Veleno: C+
Joe Veleno had a so-so season, primarily playing on the fourth line. He showed promise at the beginning but then saw a decline in offensive output. However, he was a solid penalty killer and performed well when filling in for higher line positions.

Austin Czarnik: D
Austin Czarnik was frequently called up due to injuries and trades, but he made minimal impact on the ice. He became a regular fourth line center but didn't contribute much to the team's performance.

Overall, assessing the performance of each player provides valuable insights as the team prepares for free agency and the draft, offering a comprehensive review of their contributions to the Detroit Red Wings.

Source: Octopus Thrower
Grading every 2023-24 Detroit Red Wing part 1: forwards