Detroit Red Wings today acquired forward Yanni Gourde (50 percent retained) from the Seattle Kraken in exchange for defenseman Kyle Aucoin and subsequently traded Gourde to the Tampa Bay Lightning in exchange for a conditional fourth-round pick in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft.

The Red Wings will retain 50 percent of remaining obligations pertaining to Gourde’s contract (25 percent of the contract’s remaining value). Detroit will receive the earlier selection between Tampa Bay’s fourth-round pick in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft or Edmonton’s fourth-round pick in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft.

The Red Wings currently own nine picks in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft. Detroit has its own pick in the first three rounds, along with one additional third-round choice from the New York Rangers. The Red Wings also own the fourth-round pick acquired in this trade from the Lightning and have their own picks in the fifth, sixth and seventh rounds plus an additional selection in the seventh round from the St. Louis Blues.

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Auction runs through March 31 and offers exclusive road trip on Red Wings’ team plane, VIP training camp experience and more

Every NHL season, the Detroit Red Wings Foundation hosts the #LGRW Online Auction, offering fans the chance to bid on unique memorabilia and exclusive experiences with their favorite Red Wings players.

The 2025 #LGRW Online Auction began February 27 and runs until March 31, featuring more than 120 items available for bidding, providing something for everyone with varying price points and experiences.

Each week of the auction features special flash offers and one-of-a-kind experiences fans won’t want to miss, like a trip with the Red Wings to a 2025-26 away game on the team plane, a private meet & greet with Red Wings forward Lucas Raymond and defenseman Moritz Seider and our players’ favorite things baskets.

In addition to the weekly flash items and experiences, some of the biggest permanently available auction items include a VIP Traverse City Training Camp trip, team-signed Zamboni gravy boat, a Detroit Grand Prix chairman’s suite experience and many more.

All net proceeds from this annual, limited-time auction benefit the Detroit Red Wings Foundation, which invests in the future of the metro Detroit community by providing funds and resources to worthy causes that contribute to the growth of the sport of hockey. The Foundation also supports youth education and wellness in metro Detroit throughout the state of Michigan.

The Detroit Red Wings Foundation raises funds for several programs and initiatives each year, including Red Wings for Reading, Make-A-Wish Michigan, Special Olympics and many more.

“We’re thrilled to host our #LGRW Auction each season for our incredible fans,” Ilitch Sports + Entertainment director of community impact Shannon Lapsley said. “We have several exciting new items available for Hockeytown fans this year, and every dollar from winning bids support organizations close to the hearts of our players and our community members, so every donation matters.”

So when fans submit a winning auction bid, not only do they receive an incredible item or experience, they also support crucial programs in metro Detroit.

"Special Olympics Michigan is deeply grateful to the Detroit Red Wings Foundation for their unwavering support," Special Olympics Michigan marketing & communications manager Lourin Sprenger said. "Their partnership creates opportunities for athletes to shine, fosters inclusion and promotes the spirit of teamwork on and off the field.”

For more information on the 2025 #LGRW Online Auction or to submit a bid, visit DetroitRedWings.com/Auction.

More info about the programs that the Detroit Red Wings Foundation supports is available below:

Detroit Red Wings Foundation’s Red Wings for Reading

The Red Wings for Reading program is a literacy initiative designed to support K-5 classrooms across Michigan throughout the NHL season. By encouraging students to increase reading time in school and at home, the program enhances existing curriculum and reflects the Red Wings' commitment to improving literacy across Michigan. Throughout the season, the program enhances reading curriculum through engaging initiatives like classroom challenges, reading buddies, book fairs, player school visits and Little Free Library donations, fostering a lifelong love of reading.

Assists for a Cause

Through Assists for a Cause, the Detroit Red Wings Foundation and Tito’s Handmade Vodka are partnering to support Michigan Humane’s mission of saving and improving animal lives. For every assist recorded by Red Wings players this season, Tito’s and the Detroit Red Wings Foundation donate $50 to Michigan Humane, helping to provide compassionate care, community engagement and advocacy for animals in need.

Make-A-Wish

The Detroit Red Wings Foundation and Trinity Health have joined forces to support Make-A-Wish Michigan in bringing hope and joy to children with critical illnesses. The Red Wings help grant life-changing wishes, creating uplifting experiences that inspire strength and resilience for Michigan families.

"When a child battling a critical illness steps onto the ice or meets their hockey hero, they aren’t just receiving a wish—they’re gaining priceless memories that inspire joy, hope and the strength to keep on going. Thank you to the Detroit Red Wings and The Red Wings Foundation for this incredible partnership!" - Michael Hull, President and CEO, Make-A-Wish Michigan

Special Olympics

The Detroit Red Wings Foundation is proud to support the Special Olympics Poly Hockey Celebration, presented by Gallagher, as part of its commitment to growing the game within Michigan’s disabled community. For this celebration, Red Wings players surprise 100 Special Olympics Poly Hockey athletes and their caregivers with a special donation, reinforcing the team's dedication to inclusion and accessibility in hockey.

Little Caesars Amateur Hockey

The Detroit Red Wings Foundation shares a strong connection with Little Caesars AAA Hockey, supporting its mission to develop young athletes on and off the ice. Through elite coaching, top-tier training and a focus on education and leadership, the program cultivates future hockey talent while instilling core values that align with the Red Wings’ commitment to excellence.

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• First 8,000 fans receive PWHL Rally Towel

• Fans can watch Michigan natives Elle Hartje, Abby Roque, Taylor Girard and Mellissa Channell-Watkins, along with 2023 first overall draft pick Taylor Heise and Kendall Coyne Schofield in action

• Practices open to public on Saturday

After a successful inaugural season Takeover Tour, the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) is returning to Detroit for another game between the New York Sirens and the Minnesota Frost at 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, March 16.

Little Caesars Arena set the U.S. professional women’s hockey attendance record at the time with 13,736 fans at last year’s PWHL game in Detroit.

Fans can enjoy a hockey doubleheader on Sunday by attending the Detroit Red Wings game at 1 p.m. and the PWHL game at 7:30 p.m. PWHL tickets can be purchased here, starting at just $26. Arena doors for the PWHL game will open at 6:15 p.m.

Game parking throughout The District Detroit will be available, and purchasing ahead of time on ParkWhiz is recommended. Rates will switch at 2 p.m. and Temple West and Trinity Health Garages may be the best options for PWHL fans.

Fans can access their parking structures and entry gates at Little Caesars Arena easily, using what3words and can find all information necessary before attending the game here.

PUBLIC PRACTICES ON SATURDAY

The PWHL team practices on Saturday will be open to the public, free of charge. 300 fans can watch New York and Minnesota practicing on the BELFOR ice at Little Caesars Arena. The first 50 fans will be selected for a meet-and-greet and autograph signing opportunity with New York players following their practice, and the next 50 will get to do the same with Minnesota. The BELFOR Entrance at Little Caesars Arena will open to the public for practices at 11 a.m.

One hundred local poly hockey players enjoy fun-filled Friday at Little Caesars Arena

The smiles and laughter seen and heard throughout the Via concourse inside Little Caesars Arena on Friday afternoon was a good reminder that hockey is more than just a game; it can be a tool used to build a more inclusive community.

Thanks to the Detroit Red Wings and Gallagher, 100 local Special Olympics Michigan poly hockey athletes participated in a hockey skills clinic led by Alex DeBrincat, J.T. Compher, Albert Johansson, Justin Holl, Tyler Motte, Erik Gustafsson, Marco Kasper and goalie Cam Talbot.

“It’s a lot of fun,” DeBrincat said. “You come out here, see everyone having fun and playing hockey. You’re getting back to the basics of shooting, passing and all that stuff so it’s great to be around these guys.”

Special Olympics Michigan has been part of the Special Olympics movement since its start in 1968. Guided by an important mission to provide year-round sports training and related programming for individuals with disabilities, Special Olympics Michigan helps athletes achieve their dreams with the support of volunteers, coaches, family members and staff.

“Sports play such a prominent role in our lives and obviously our careers,” Motte said. “Hockey means a lot to us, so just to be able to give back in a way that we know how. This group really enjoyed their time playing hockey today, and just a cool experience for us to be on a different side of things by looking at a different perspective. Just give some happiness, hope and a little bit of fun.”

For Michigan natives DeBrincat (Farmington Hills) and Motte (St. Clair), taking time out of their afternoons to assist the state-based non-profit organization was truly meaningful.

“It’s important to get out in the community,” DeBrincat said. “Very special. At my station, [the poly hockey players] were trying to score goals. They were ripping pucks.”

Before the hockey skills clinic, the Special Olympics Michigan athletes also enjoyed a Little Caesars pizza party and watched the Red Wings practice at Little Caesars Arena's BELFOR Training Center.

Holl said as a professional athlete, he feels he has a great opportunity to make a positive impact and was very happy to do so after Friday’s practice.

“When you’re a public figure, those are some of the things you should be aware of,” Holl said. “You just try to use your platform to encourage people to have fun in sports."

Special Olympics Michigan athlete Scott Decker said he was excited to show off his skills to the group of Red Wings players on Friday afternoon.

“I needed the practice,” said Decker, who plays for the Grosse Point/Harper Woods Hawks poly hockey team. "Got to get ready for our season. We’ve won back-to-back championships, so we’re going for a three-peat this year. It hasn’t been done in the history of our franchise, so it would be nice.”

Decker added that the advice he received from Detroit captain Dylan Larkin during last year’s event really helped him this time around.

“He told me to always be a team player and a team leader,” Decker said. “And, most importantly, snipe that puck.”

Gallagher also provided a donation for Special Olympics Michigan poly hockey athletes at the end of Friday’s event, which marked the first of two such celebrations the Red Wings will put on this year.

“This is a fun event,” Holl said. “It kind of brings you back to hockey when you were a kid, when you’re playing a lot of pond hockey or knee hockey and just shooting pucks and having a good time. That’s what this means to me, and it’s fun to be able to do it with all these guys.”

By Jonathan Mills for DetroitRedWings.com

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Following a successful partnership with SANA Detroit and Kiloh + Co. during the 2023-24 season, the Detroit Red Wings are excited to work with both local companies again in the return of the Red Wings’ local designer series. The collaborations include a special ticket package and exclusive merchandise line for fans

When the Red Wings host the Anaheim Ducks on Sunday, Feb. 23, fans can purchase a special SANA ticket package which will include a game ticket, a limited-edition SANA/Red Wings T-shirt and early access to Little Caesars Arena for the exclusive SANA pop-up that night.

Following the 3:30 p.m. early access window for SANA ticket package purchasers, all fans who enter the arena that night will have access to the pop-up once doors open to the public at 4:30 p.m. Puck drop is slated for 6 p.m.

SANA creates high-level fashion pieces that center around Detroit culture. Its mission is to bring Detroit fashion to the rest of the world by using the city’s iconic moments, legends and other historic entities.

“Embracing Detroit’s creative spirit is at the heart of what we do,” said Asia Gholston, Vice President of Brand Marketing, Ilitch Sports + Entertainment. “By joining forces with Kiloh + Co. and SANA Detroit, we’re not only elevating the game-day experience, but also celebrating the authentic, local talent that defines our community. This collaboration seamlessly blends our passion for sports with Detroit’s innovative design culture, and we’re thrilled to bring that unique energy to our fans on and off the ice.”

For the Women’s History Month and Women in Hockey game at Little Caesars Arena on March 6, the Red Wings are collaborating with Livonia, Mich.-based Kiloh + Co. for a special ticket package and exclusive merchandise line.

Kiloh + Co. is a female-owned clothing company founded in 2017, specializing in fashionable game day wear for women. Amanda Adamcheck, the founder and owner of Kiloh + Co., was a Detroit Tigers season-ticket holder and wanted simple and chic local clothing items to wear to the games; so, she created them.

When the Red Wings host the Utah Hockey Club on March 6, fans can purchase a special ticket package which will include a game ticket, a limited-edition Kiloh + Co. Red Wings shirt and early access to Little Caesars Arena for the exclusive Kiloh + Co. pop-up that night.

The pop-up shop will be available by the Via bar on the street-level concourse. From 4:30-5:30 p.m., special ticket package purchasers will have early access to the venue.

Following the 4:30 p.m. early access window for Kiloh + Co. ticket package purchasers, all fans who enter the arena that night can access the pop-up once doors open to the public at 5:30 p.m. Puck drop is slated for 7 p.m.

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The MLB ID Tour, a grassroots initiative to identify high school talent for baseball development programming, recently stopped in metro Detroit for the first time in two years. Athletes graduating high school in 2028 and 2029 had the opportunity to showcase their skills in front of the MLB ID Tour Staff for the chance to be invited to participate in MLB Player Development programs.

“We’re very grateful to the Detroit Tigers’ baseball growth initiatives team for making this happen,” said Kindu Jones, the senior coordinator of baseball development for the MLB. “We loved having the opportunity to return to the Motor City and evaluate, motivate and provide hope for the next generation of athletes. Teaching them how to fall in love with the process of honing their baseball skills and doing everything in their life with a ‘big league mindset’ might be almost as great of a day for us as it is an opportunity for them.”

Seventy-three athletes participated in the showcase at Detroit Country Day School, some coming from as far away as Whitby, Ontario, Canada. Athletes were also encouraged to join the Detroit Tigers youth initiative programs, such as the Tigers’ RBI teams.

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Motte surprises local 11-year-old hockey player and his family with tickets to Saturday’s game

Holding their first practice since the 2025 4 Nations Face-Off break, the Detroit Red Wings invited a very special guest to Little Caesars Arena’s BELFOR Training Center on Tuesday afternoon.

Scott Hart, an 11-year-old who currently plays youth hockey in the metro Detroit area, watched the Red Wings run through drills before meeting Tyler Motte after practice.

“Giving back to the community is important to me being from Michigan and playing for the youth hockey programs around Detroit,” Motte said. “It means a lot. As kids watch practices and games, they look up to not just players like me but our leadership. [Captain Dylan Larkin] is his favorite player. It goes a long way, giving back to our community.”

In addition to receiving a new Red Wings jersey from Motte, Hart and his family were gifted tickets to Saturday’s matinee against the Minnesota Wild, which coincides with Kids Day at Little Caesars Arena.

“I’m so happy to go to the game,” said Hart, who also thanked Motte for helping make what was surely an unforgettable afternoon.

A native of Detroit’s westside, Hart started playing hockey roughly six years ago. Hart’s love for the game has only grown since then, prompting his parents to build him a backyard rink that the family has maintained for the past four winters.

For Motte, who was born in St. Clair, Mich., hockey also was a big part of his childhood.

“The few Red Wings games that we got down to in Detroit were always important and awesome,” Motte said. “Growing up, watching great teams but getting into other hockey like college hockey and the [Port Huron Prowlers]. Going to those games and getting signed sticks, pucks and all that goes a long way. I remember being [Hart’s] age and what it meant to me and is part of my hockey career.”

Before wrapping up their combined post-practice media session, Hart told Motte that he hopes “you guys can make it to the playoffs.”

The 29-year-old forward smiled.

“We’ll do our best for you, buddy,” Motte said. “We look forward to seeing you at the game.”

By Jonathan Mills for detroitredwings.com

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Thousands of families in southeast Michigan are served by Gleaners Community Food Bank, a non-profit organization that provides access to sufficient, nutritious food and other related resources. Recently, colleagues from Ilitch Companies volunteered at the group’s Taylor, Mich. warehouse, packing food boxes and bagging fruits and vegetables.

“We need volunteers all the time. We have volunteers coming in Monday through Friday, morning shift and afternoon. We rely on volunteers one hundred percent,” said Alma Perez, a volunteer coordinator at Gleaners. “Our volunteers are doing something for the community. They're giving back. It brings us together, like a team effort.”

“These opportunities give our colleagues an opportunity to connect with each other and the community,” said Jon Perry, Community Impact Manager at Ilitch Sports + Entertainment. “Organizations such as Gleaners provide critical services for people, and we are privileged to help with their efforts.”

Through community engagement programs, Ilitch Companies colleagues are mobilized to volunteer thousands of hours annually for key charitable causes.

To learn more about Gleaners and other volunteer opportunities there, visit www.gcfb.org.

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Aiming to be a space that captures the community and culture of Detroit, Little Caesars Arena food service partner, Delaware North, and its passionate chefs work to ensure the food and beverage selections at the venue reflect the city’s flavor.

Troy Michalkiewicz, Delaware North's Executive Chef at Little Caesars Arena and a native of Metro Detroit, is committed to making sure that both Detroit’s distinctive flavors and its people are well represented. To him, food service is a means to opportunity—for students, for adults with disabilities and for independent businesses.

Internship Opportunities

Michalkiewicz helped launch a successful internship program for Detroit Public Schools Community District high school students enrolled in the district’s culinary arts program. Fourteen high schoolers have had the opportunity to work alongside seasoned professionals at Little Caesars Arena, gaining invaluable hands-on experience in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.

“Internships are incredibly important to me as a chef,” Michalkiewicz explained. “I’m passionate about continued learning. As a mentor, sharing my knowledge and experience gives me the opportunity to help guide and inspire the next generation of culinarians.”

The internship program offers students valuable experience in the hospitality industry, even if they ultimately decide on a different career path. Working with the Delaware North team equips them with confidence in multiple areas as they interact with hundreds of guests at each event, talk about the food they’re serving and hone their customer service and public speaking skills.

The partnership has been as rewarding for the students as it has for the culinary team. Troy was so impressed by one of those interns, Alexa Torres, that she has since been hired. Guests can now enjoy several of Alexa’s menu items, including a family recipe for tres leches cake, at the arena.

Meaningful Skills

Michalkiewicz, alongside Christian Borden, Chef of Restaurants, has also been an integral part of an impactful partnership between Little Caesars Arena and Rising Stars Academy, a post-secondary public academy that empowers adults with disabilities. With a six-acre urban farm, an aquaponics system and a bakery, Rising Stars is an arena vendor with purpose. Micro-greens grown in their aquaponics farm are used at Little Caesars Arena, along with pie crusts and focaccia made at the academy.

Additionally, these adult students have an opportunity to gain critical career skills by training under Delaware North chefs at the arena. By learning the ins and outs of fast-paced, fresh food production, they can acquire skills that help them reach their full potential within the community, which sometimes translates to full-time employment with Delaware North.

“Little Caesars Arena, Chef Troy and Chef Christian have been so important in the success of this partnership,” said Mark Prentiss, co-founder of and chef/educator at Rising Stars Academy. “The amount of time they spend making sure students learn the necessary skills is nothing short of amazing. The entire organization has taken the students under their wing, not only to learn these tasks, but also the importance of family.”

A Platform for Small Businesses

For the individuals already excelling in their craft, Delaware North and Little Caesars Arena have created an opportunity to help them reach a wider audience. Since 2022, the arena has hosted Detroit-based small businesses as pop-up food vendors, enabling guests to enjoy local flavors while providing local businesses with more exposure.

“These pop-up vendors have poured their blood, sweat and tears into building their businesses, and our partnership gives them the chance to showcase what Detroit is all about to guests from across Michigan,” Michalkiewicz said. “You can see the excitement on their faces when they arrive—they know they’re part of something special.”

Nine local businesses have participated in the program to date, with potentially more to come in the future.

Through the small business program, as well as the internships and partnerships, Michalkiewicz, Borden and the Delaware North team have redefined expectations for the arena. Using the power of food, they have elevated a hub for sports and entertainment into a destination that captures the best of the city while also giving back to it.