Red Wings Bolster Scoring Depth with Key Additions

New players like Justin Faulk and David Perron aim to provide secondary scoring punch.

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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The Detroit Red Wings have made several moves to address their lack of consistent secondary scoring, including acquiring defenseman Justin Faulk from St. Louis and bringing back winger David Perron. The team has also recalled forwards Michael Brandsegg-Nygard and John Leonard from their AHL affiliate, both of whom have been producing offensively in the minors. This influx of new scoring talent comes as several Red Wings forwards have been mired in goal-scoring droughts, raising concerns about the team's playoff chances.

Why it matters

The Red Wings have struggled with secondary scoring in recent seasons, leading to late-season collapses in the standings. These new additions aim to provide a much-needed boost to the team's offensive depth and take pressure off their top scorers, potentially helping the Red Wings avoid another March meltdown and secure a playoff spot.

The details

Faulk, acquired via trade, has 11 goals this season, tying him for 12th among NHL defensemen. Perron, returning to Detroit for a second stint, has 10 goals so far. Brandsegg-Nygard and Leonard have been tearing it up in the AHL, with the former scoring 6 goals and 9 points in his last 5 games, and the latter netting 27 goals in 34 AHL games. Meanwhile, several Red Wings forwards, including Andrew Copp, Michael Rasmussen, Mason Appleton, and James van Riemsdyk, have been mired in lengthy goal-scoring droughts.

  • The Red Wings made the trades and call-ups in the days leading up to March 8, 2026.
  • The team is 0-1-1 to start the month of March 2026, a period that has seen their playoff chances flame out in each of the past three seasons.

The players

Justin Faulk

A defenseman acquired by the Red Wings via trade from the St. Louis Blues, Faulk has 11 goals this season, tying him for 12th among NHL rearguards.

David Perron

A winger returning to the Red Wings for a second stint after being acquired from the Ottawa Senators, Perron has 10 goals this season and has scored 41 goals with Detroit from 2022 to 2024.

Michael Brandsegg-Nygard

A winger recalled from the Red Wings' AHL affiliate in Grand Rapids, where he has scored 6 goals and 9 points in his last 5 games.

John Leonard

A forward recalled from Grand Rapids, where he has scored 27 goals in 34 games, and previously scored twice in a 9-game stint with the Red Wings earlier this season.

Todd McLellan

The head coach of the Detroit Red Wings, who is hoping the new additions will provide a much-needed boost to the team's secondary scoring.

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What they’re saying

“He is a confident young man who has played a lot of games and produced year after year.”

— Todd McLellan, Head Coach, Detroit Red Wings (detroithockeynow.com)

“I'm pumped to have him. I think all the Wings fans should be super happy to have him.”

— Todd McLellan, Head Coach, Detroit Red Wings (detroithockeynow.com)

“We've got to get some offense. We need somebody who can score. Well, he's been doing that down there.”

— Todd McLellan, Head Coach, Detroit Red Wings (detroithockeynow.com)

What’s next

The Red Wings will look for their new additions to provide an immediate boost in scoring as they try to avoid another late-season collapse and secure a playoff spot.

The takeaway

The Red Wings have made a concerted effort to address their secondary scoring woes by acquiring proven goal-scorers and calling up hot-handed prospects from the AHL. If these new pieces can provide a consistent offensive punch, it could be the key to the Red Wings finally breaking through in March and returning to the postseason.