Ilitch Sports + Entertainment Announces Key Leadership Promotions to Drive Growth, Innovation, and Best-in-Class Guest Experiences

June 30, 2025

Ilitch Sports + Entertainment (IS+E), whose mission is to amaze, inspire and unite, has announced the promotion of three senior team members into expanded leadership roles. These moves reflect IS+E’s ongoing focus on growing its talent and strengthening its ability to deliver world-class sports and entertainment experiences for fans, guests, and partners across its teams, venues, and live events.

Taylor Traub has been promoted to Senior Vice President, Business Strategy & Innovation. Traub has been instrumental in shaping IS+E’s strategic direction through his leadership of the organization’s data analytics capabilities. In his expanded role, he will now also oversee business development, with a focus on driving overall growth initiatives for IS+E. Additionally, he will lead efforts to enhance operational efficiency through the integration of technology—key pillars of IS+E’s focus on sustainable growth and innovation.

Asia Gholston has been named Senior Vice President, Brand Marketing. Since taking the helm of the Detroit Red Wings marketing earlier this year, Gholston has delivered impactful brand strategies that have energized fans and stakeholders alike. In her new role, she will lead brand marketing for both the Detroit Red Wings and Detroit Tigers, in addition to overseeing the IS+E Creative Services team. Her leadership will focus on strengthening brand engagement and executing bold, multi-platform marketing campaigns.

Ben Fidelman has been promoted to Vice President, Communications & Broadcasting. Fidelman will oversee a newly unified communications team across the IS+E portfolio, ensuring a consistent and impactful voice for the organization’s iconic sports brands. In addition to managing broadcast operations, he will now lead public relations strategies for both the Detroit Tigers and Detroit Red Wings.

“These promotions highlight the exceptional leadership Taylor, Asia, and Ben bring to IS+E,” said Ryan Gustafson, President and CEO of Ilitch Sports + Entertainment. By investing in top talent and aligning our leadership for the future, we’re enhancing our ability to create innovative, impactful experiences that amaze, inspire, and unite our fans, while also strengthening connections with our communities and partners.”

Ilitch Sports + Entertainment continues to invest in strong leadership to deliver unmatched fan experiences, amplify brand value, and lead in an increasingly competitive sports and entertainment landscape.

Detroit Awarded WNBA Expansion Franchise

June 30, 2025

WNBA Returns to Motor City For Long-Awaited Homecoming

New Team Will Begin Play In 2029

The Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) announced earlier today that Detroit and its ownership group led by Tom and Holly Gores have been awarded an expansion franchise, subject to WNBA and NBA Boards of Governors approval.  The new team will join the league in competition beginning in 2029.

“This is a huge win for Detroit and the WNBA,” said Tom Gores, owner of the Detroit Pistons, who led the WNBA bid and will be the controlling owner of the new franchise.  “Today marks the long-hoped-for return of the WNBA to a city with deep basketball roots and a championship tradition. Detroit played a key role in the league’s early growth, and we’re proud to reignite that legacy as the WNBA ascends to new heights. Our plans will bring new energy, investment and infrastructure to our city and the WNBA, and additional resources to our community.”

WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert lauded Detroit’s commitment to advancing the growth of the WNBA and how the new team will impact the community.

“Detroit’s legacy in basketball runs deep and today marks the start of an exciting new chapter,” said Engelbert. “We’re proud to return to a city that was once home to one of the most successful teams in WNBA history – and even more excited for the role Detroit will play in shaping the league’s future. The Motor City embodies everything the WNBA stands for – passion, perseverance, and the power of sport to drive change.  We’re grateful to Tom Gores and his team for their vision, passion, and commitment to building something special.”

Plans for the WNBA team include a comprehensive facilities strategy that will utilize a combination of new and current facilities to service the team, its players and the community:

o The team will play its games at Little Caesars Arena, bringing another 22-plus sporting events to the city each year and delivering additional economic impact to the restaurants and small businesses in the downtown area.

o A new dedicated WNBA practice facility and team headquarters will be constructed to allow for around-the-clock training and amenities for players and coaches.  The facility will include state-of-the-art designated courts, locker room, workout facilities and office and lounge space.

o Embedding the team in the community, the development will also include a publicly accessible sports center that will support the formation and creation of a youth development academy. The academy will promote youth sports and address the lack of access and equity among youth sports facilities in Detroit. The vision is to build a transformative community destination that will service the new franchise and include public-facing youth basketball courts, volleyball courts and multi-purpose fields for soccer, football and lacrosse, complete with spectator seating.

o Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan has committed to partnering with the ownership group to develop the new campus in a central location for Detroit residents.

The Gores-led ownership group comprises a diverse and accomplished group of equity investors, from sports, business, entertainment, media and finance.  Gores said he’s excited to work with this group to grow women’s basketball and inspire the community.

“We have brought together an impressive array of investors who reflect the strength and diversity of Detroit,” added Gores. “I’m excited about what we can accomplish together to advance women’s professional sports and inspire a new generation of fans. I’m grateful to our exceptional investor group, Commissioner Engelbert, and the WNBA for their trust in our vision and commitment to the people of Detroit.”

Michigan’s top elected officials applauded the news from the WNBA and pledged their administration’s full support to clear the way for the WNBA’s return to the Motor City.

“As a proud, lifelong Michigander, former mediocre basketball player, and governor of this great state, I’m fired up today for fans across our state,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. “This has been a long time coming, and I’m grateful to everyone who worked so hard to get it done. Michiganders are fiercely loyal to all our teams, and we look forward to cheering on women’s basketball not just in the Motor City, but across the entire state. Michigan was already the best sports state in the nation, and now it’s even better for women and girls who always play hard and play to win. Let’s go.”

“Today’s announcement by the WNBA is a big win for Detroit and further solidifies its role as one of the greatest sports towns anywhere,” said Duggan. “We are ready to once again embrace women’s professional basketball and fully support the vision to bring transformative new facilities and a youth sports academy that will impact Detroit youth for generations to come.”

Ilitch Companies CEO Chris Ilitch expressed excitement regarding the addition of a WNBA team in Detroit and the opportunity to infuse the city with more activity and energy.

“Momentum and interest surrounding women’s sports has never been stronger, and we’re proud to host a WNBA team at Little Caesars Arena,” said Ilitch. “Bringing a WNBA team to Detroit is a huge win for the city and fans across the region.  This team will join an incredibly diverse lineup of sports and entertainment offered at Little Caesars Arena, and we look forward to the lively atmosphere it will create for our venue and the community.”

Today’s announcement sets forth the WNBA’s return to Detroit, where the Detroit Shock were one of the first expansion teams in the WNBA, established in 1996.  From 1998 to 2009, the Shock won three titles, was in the top five in attendance for five straight seasons, No. 1 in attendance for three straight seasons and set a single-game attendance record of 22,076 fans at Game 3 of the 2003 WNBA Finals.

For more information on WNBA Detroit and to sign up and show your interest in participating in the club’s inaugural season – visit www.detroitwnba.com and follow on X and Instagram @DetroitWNBA (www.x.com/DetroitWNBA and www.instagram.com/detroitwnba)

Red Wings Sign Albert Johansson to Two-Year Contract Extension

June 30, 2025

2019 Second-Round Pick Skated in 61 Games with Detroit in 2024-25

The Detroit Red Wings today signed defenseman Albert Johansson to a two-year contract extension with an average annual value of $1.125 million.

Johansson, 24, spent the entire 2024-25 season with the Red Wings, recording nine points (3-6-9) and 30 penalty minutes in 61 games. The 6-foot, 187-pound defenseman was the only NHL rookie blueliner to score two game-winning goals in 2024-25, accomplishing the feat on Jan. 10 vs. Chicago and March 16 vs. Vegas. Johansson played the 2023-24 season with the American Hockey League’s Grand Rapids Griffins, logging 21 points (6-15-21), a plus-seven rating and 46 penalty minutes in 66 regular-season games. He also collected three assists and eight penalty minutes in nine Calder Cup Playoff games, helping the Griffins reach the Central Division Finals. Johansson made his North American professional debut with the Griffins in 2022-23, notching 15 points (5-10-15) and 38 penalty minutes in 53 games. Selected by the Red Wings in the second round (60th overall) of the 2019 NHL Entry Draft, Johansson registered 36 points (11-25-36) and 84 penalty minutes in 119 AHL games with the Griffins from 2022-24.

A native of Karlstad, Sweden, Johansson spent parts of four seasons with Färjestad BK in the Swedish Hockey League from 2018-22, totaling 57 points (15-42-57), a plus-10 rating and 44 penalty minutes in 141 games. He also helped Färjestad BK win a SHL championship in 2022, tallying eight points (2-6-8) in 19 postseason contests. Johansson also logged 38 points (9-29-38) and 79 penalty minutes in 58 games with Färjestad BK’s under-20 squad, in addition to 36 points (14-22-36) and 14 penalty minutes in 50 games with the under-18 team and 26 points (11-15-26) and 82 penalty minutes in 56 games at the under-16 level. On the international stage, Johansson represented Sweden at the 2021 IIHF World Junior Championship alongside Red Wings teammates Lucas Raymond and Elmer Söderblom, recording three assists and four penalty minutes in five games. Johansson captured a gold medal at the 2019 IIHF World Under-18 Championship, tallying one assist and a plus-four rating in seven games. He also earned a silver medal with Sweden at the 2018 Hlinka Gretzky Cup, finishing with two penalty minutes in five appearances.

Red Wings Sign Jonatan Berggren to One-Year Contract Extension

June 30, 2025

2018 Second-Round Pick Has Skated in 154 Games with Detroit Since 2022-23

The Detroit Red Wings today signed forward Jonatan Berggren to a one-year contract extension with an average annual value of $1.825 million.

Berggren, 24, spent the entire 2024-25 season with the Red Wings, recording 24 points (12-12-24) and 14 penalty minutes in 75 games. The 5-foot-11, 199-pound forward split the 2023-24 campaign between the Red Wings and American Hockey League’s Grand Rapids Griffins, logging six points (2-4-6) and two penalty minutes in 12 games with Detroit. Berggren also skated in 53 regular-season games with Grand Rapids in 2023-24 and ranked among the team leaders with 24 goals (1st), 32 assists (1st), 56 points (1st), 58 penalty minutes (T2nd), four power play goals (T3rd), 19 power play points (1st), four game-winning goals (T1st) and a 15.4 shooting percentage (1st). Additionally, Berggren paced the Griffins with 10 points (5-5-10) in nine Calder Cup Playoff games, helping the club reach the Central Division Finals. Selected by the Red Wings in the second round (33rd overall) of the 2018 NHL Entry Draft, Berggren has registered 58 points (29-29-58) and 32 penalty minutes in 154 NHL games since 2022-23. He also compiled 127 points (49-78-127) and 84 penalty minutes in 130 AHL games with the Griffins from 2021-24, representing the club at the 2024 AHL All-Star Classic.

Prior to arriving in North America, Berggren played for Skellefteå AIK in the Swedish Hockey League, tying for the team lead with 45 points (12-33-45) in 49 games during the 2020-21 season before adding four assists in 12 postseason contests. In all, Berggren notched 60 points (14-46-60), a plus-seven rating and 28 penalty minutes in 99 games with Skellefteå AIK in Sweden's top professional league from 2017-21. Berggren also registered 69 points (24-45-69), a plus-19 rating and 42 penalty minutes in 67 games for Skellefteå's under-20 squad from 2016-18. The Uppsala, Sweden, native represented his country at the 2023 IIHF World Championship, tallying seven points (2-5-7), a plus-five rating and two penalty minutes in eight games. Berggren earned a bronze medal at the 2020 IIHF World Junior Championship, recording five points (1-4-5) in seven games. He captured a bronze medal with Sweden at the 2018 IIHF World Under-18 Championship after leading the team with 10 points (5-5-10) in seven games, and also won bronze after picking up five points (3-2-5) in five games at the 2017 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament. Berggren won a gold medal with Sweden during the 2016 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge, tallying three points (2-1-3) in six games.

Red Wings Select Forward Carter Bear 13th Overall in 2025 NHL Draft

June 30, 2025

Bear Led WHL’s Everett Silvertips with 82 Points in 56 Games During 2024-25 Season

The Detroit Red Wings selected forward Carter Bear in the first round (13th overall) of the 2025 NHL Entry Draft at L.A. Live’s Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles.

Bear played the 2024-25 season with the Western Hockey League’s Everett Silvertips and ranked among the team leaders with 40 goals (1st), 42 assists (4th), 82 points (1st), a plus-33 rating (7th), 77 penalty minutes (2nd), 14 power play goals (1st), 27 power play points (T1st), two shorthanded goals (T2nd), nine game-winning goals (1st) and 185 shots (4th) in 56 games. The 6-foot, 179-pound forward earned a place on the WHL’s Western Conference Second All-Star Team. Bear spent the entire 2023-24 campaign with the Silvertips, recording 57 points (25-32-57), a plus-23 rating and 26 penalty minutes in 67 regular-season games, in addition to four assists in nine postseason contests. In total, Bear has compiled 141 points (66-75-141), a plus-53 rating and 103 penalty minutes in 142 WHL games with the Silvertips since 2022-23.

A native of Winnipeg, Man., Bear played the majority of the 2022-23 season with the Winnipeg Thrashers in the Manitoba U18 Hockey League, capturing Most Valuable Player honors and a spot on the league’s First All-Star Team after recording 59 points (32-27-59) and 24 penalty minutes in 31 regular-season games, along with two points (1-1-2) in three postseason matchups. Bear also spent the 2021-22 season with the Thrashers’ under-18 squad, notching 42 points (25-17-42) and 34 penalty minutes in 39 regular-season games, in addition to two points (1-1-2) in three playoff games. Bear skated with Team Manitoba at the 2021-22 WHL Cup, finishing with one assist in five appearances.

Detroit currently has eight selections for the second day of the 2025 Entry Draft: one in the second round (44th overall), two in the third round (75th and 76th), one in the fourth round (119th), one in the fifth round (140th), one in the sixth round (172nd) and two in the seventh round (204th and 211th).

Red Wings Select Seven Players on Second Day of 2025 NHL Entry Draft

June 29, 2025

Four Forwards, Two Defensemen and One Goaltender Chosen By Detroit in Los Angeles

The Detroit Red Wings today selected seven players during the second day of the 2025 NHL Entry Draft at L.A. Live’s Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles.

The Red Wings chose right wing Eddie Genborg (44th overall) in the second round before taking goaltender Michal Pradel (75th overall) in the third round. Detroit used a pair of fourth-round picks on right wing Brent Solomon (109th overall) and left wing Michal Svrcek (119th overall) before taking defenseman Nikita Tyurin (140th overall) in the fifth round. From there, the Red Wings picked defenseman Will Murphy (172nd overall) in the sixth round and selected center Grayden Robertson-Palmer in the seventh round (204th overall).

Detroit’s first pick of the day was the 12th choice of the second round (44th overall), which the team used on right wing Eddie Genborg. The 6-foot-2, 205-pound forward spent part of the 2024-25 season with Linköping HC’s under-20 squad in Sweden’s top junior league, recording 34 points (19-15-34), a plus-18 rating and 26 penalty minutes in 28 regular-season games, in addition to three points (1-2-3) and four penalty minutes in three postseason contests. Genborg also made his professional debut with Linköping HC in the Swedish Hockey League during the 2024-25 campaign, netting two goals and four penalty minutes in 28 games while playing in Sweden’s highest professional league. Additionally, Genborg picked up two points (1-1-2) in one appearance with Linköping HC’s under-18 team in 2024-25. Genborg played the majority of the 2023-24 season with Linköping HC’s under-20 team, tallying five points (4-1-5) and 41 penalty minutes in 25 games. He also logged 11 points (7-4-11) and 12 penalty minutes in 16 games with Linköping HC’s under-18 squad in 2023-24.

A native of Trollhättan, Sweden, Genborg has totaled 39 points (23-16-39), a plus-13 rating and 67 penalty minutes in 53 games with Linköping’s under-20 squad, along with 41 points (15-26-41) and 26 penalty minutes in 65 games for the under-18 team and five points (2-3-5) in four games at the under-16 level. Genborg also tallied 32 points (12-20-32) and eight penalty minutes in 15 games with HC Lidköping’s under-16 team during the 2021-22 season. On the international stage, Genborg earned a silver medal at the 2025 IIHF World Under-18 Championship, recording three assists and 10 penalty minutes in seven games. He also captured a silver medal at the 2024 World Junior A Challenge, notching three points (2-1-3) and four penalty minutes in five games. Genborg won a bronze medal with Sweden at the 2024 Hlinka Gretzky Cup, tallying three points (1-2-3) and four penalty minutes in five games. Genborg also claimed a bronze medal at the 2023 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge, finishing with three points (1-2-3) and six penalty minutes in seven games.

The following round, the Red Wings selected Michal Pradel (75th overall), who was ranked No. 3 in NHL Central Scouting’s final ranking of North American goaltenders for the 2025 NHL Entry Draft. The 6-foot-5, 199-pound netminder spent part of the 2024-25 season with the Tri-City Storm in the United States Hockey League, earning a spot on the All-USHL Rookie Second Team after posting a 9-4-1 record with a 2.41 goals-against average, an 0.899 save percentage and one shutout in 14 regular-season games. Pradel also started one Clark Cup Playoff game with the Storm, blocking 34-of-36 shots on April 14 against the Waterloo Black Hawks. The Dolny Kubin, Slovakia, native played the majority of the 2023-24 season with Draci Liptovsky Mikulas’ under-18 team in his home country, compiling a 21-17-0 record with a 2.83 goals-against average and a 0.922 save percentage in 38 appearances. Pradel represented Slovakia at the 2025 IIHF World Under-18 Championship, logging a 4-3 record with a 2.46 goals-against average and a 0.914 save percentage in seven games. He was also a member of Slovakia’s roster at the 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship, but did not see game action. Additionally, Pradel made three appearances at the 2024 Hlinka Gretzky Cup.

The Red Wings used the first of their two fourth-round selections by taking right wing Brent Solomon (109th overall). The 6-foot, 174-pound forward recently completed his senior year at Champlin Park (Minn.) High School, where he accumulated 56 points (38-18-56) and 12 penalty minutes in 28 games. Solomon also competed with Team Twin Cities Orthopedics in the Upper Midwest High School Elite League in 2024-25, recording 38 points (28-10-38) and two penalty minutes in 21 games. He made his USHL debut with the Sioux Falls Stampede during the 2024-25 campaign, collecting six points (4-2-6) and two penalty minutes in eight regular-season games, in addition to two penalty minutes in two postseason matchups. A native of Robbinsdale, Minn., Solomon racked up 38 points (34-14-48) and four penalty minutes in 22 games with Champlin Park as a junior in 2023-24. In total, Solomon amassed 110 points (75-35-110) and 22 penalty minutes in 76 games at Champlin Park from 2022-25. Solomon is committed to the University of Wisconsin.

Detroit made its second selection of the fourth round on left wing Michal Svrcek (144th overall). The 5-foot-11, 189-pound forward spent the majority of the 2024-25 season with Brynäs IF’s under-20 team in Sweden’s top junior league, contributing 30 points (14-16-30), a plus-nine rating and 10 penalty minutes in 30 regular-season games, in addition to four points (2-2-4) in three postseason games. Svrcek made his professional debut in the SHL with Brynäs IF, recording three points (1-2-3) and two penalty minutes in 17 regular-season games. He also finished with two assists and a plus-two rating in 10 playoff matchups, helping Brynäs IF reach the SHL Final for the first time since 2017. Svrcek has developed with Brynäs IF since 2022-23, totaling 42 points (19-23-42), a plus-13 rating and 22 penalty minutes in 52 games with the under-20 squad, along with 56 points (32-24-56) and 59 penalty minutes in 55 games for the under-18 team and 14 points (10-4-14) and eight penalty minutes in eight games at the under-16 level. The Zilina, Slovakia, native represented his country at the 2025 IIHF World Under-18 Championship, logging four points (2-2-4) and four penalty minutes in seven games. He also competed at the 2024 Hlinka Gretzky Cup, registering four points (3-1-4) and two penalty minutes in four appearances. Additionally, Svrcek played for Slovakia at the 2024 IIHF World Under-18 Championship, netting one goal and eight penalty minutes in seven appearances.

With their fifth-round pick, the Red Wings chose Nikita Tyurin (140th overall), a 6-foot, 174-pound defenseman who spent the majority of the 2024-25 season with MHK Spartak Moscow in Russia’s Junior Hockey League (MHL). Tyurin recorded 20 points (4-16-20), a plus-20 rating and 22 penalty minutes in 50 regular-season games as a rookie in Russia’s top junior league. He also helped MHK Spartak Moscow win a MHL championship, tallying five assists, a plus-six rating and eight penalty minutes in 19 postseason contests. The Moscow, Russia, native made his Kontinental Hockey League debut with Spartak Moscow during the 2024-25 campaign, playing in a 4-3 shootout loss on Jan. 30 against SKA St. Petersburg. Additionally, Tyurin skated in one game with Khimik Voskresensk in the Supreme Hockey League (VHL), Russia’s second-highest professional circuit. Tyurin played most of the 2023-24 season with Rus Moscow’s under-17 team, notching 26 points (6-20-26) and 44 penalty minutes in 32 games. He also spent time with MAH Moscow-3’s under-18 squad in 2023-24, picking up two goals in 10 regular-season games.

The Red Wings used their sixth-round selection by taking defenseman Will Murphy (172nd overall). The 6-foot-4, 209-pound blueliner spent the entire 2024-25 season with the Cape Breton Eagles in the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League, recording four points (2-2-4), a plus-two rating and 45 penalty minutes in 54 regular-season games. Murphy also tallied one assist, a plus-three rating and 10 penalty minutes in six postseason matchups. A native of Summerside, P.E.I., Murphy played the majority of the 2023-24 season with the Summerside Western Capitals in the Maritime Junior Hockey League, collecting 19 points (2-17-19) and 96 penalty minutes in 47 regular-season games, along with five points (1-4-5) and 18 penalty minutes in 17 playoff games. Murphy also made his major junior debut with Cape Breton in 2023-24, skating in two regular-season games. He competed for the Kensington Wild AAA program in the NB/PEI Major U18 Hockey League in 2022-23, logging seven points (3-4-7) and 18 penalty minutes in 24 regular-season games, along with two assists and 12 penalty minutes in four postseason appearances. Murphy was recognized as the PEI Major U15 Hockey League’s Most Valuable Player and Top Defenseman after registering 31 points (6-25-31) and 28 penalty minutes in 20 games with the Prince County Warriors during the 2021-22 campaign.

Detroit made its eighth and final selection of the 2025 NHL Entry Draft on center Grayden Robertson-Palmer (204th overall), a 5-foot-11, 197-pound forward who recently concluded his senior year at Phillips Academy Andover in Andover, Mass. Robertson-Palmer captained Phillips Academy Andover during the 2024-25 season, racking up 39 points (16-23-39) in 30 games. He also played with the Neponset Valley River Rats AAA program in 2024-25, tallying 23 points (5-18-23) in 24 games with the under-18 team. Additionally, Robertson-Palmer had six points (3-3-6) and two penalty minutes in nine games with the River Rats’ under-18 squad during the BEAST Tournament Series in 2024-25. Robertson-Palmer averaged over a point-per-game as a junior at Phillips Academy Andover in 2023-24, registering 37 points (17-20-37) in 30 games. In all, Robertson-Palmer accumulated 90 points (39-51-90) in 87 games at Phillips Academy Andover from 2022-25. A native of North Bay, Ont., Robertson-Palmer is committed to Dartmouth College, while the Moncton Wildcats retain his QMJHL rights. The Red Wings held two seventh-round selections entering the second day of the 2025 NHL Entry Draft, but acquired a seventh-round pick in the 2026 NHL Entry Draft from the Calgary Flames in exchange for a seventh-round pick (211th overall) in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft.

Red Wings Trade Vladimir Tarasenko to Minnesota Wild in Exchange For Future Considerations

June 29, 2025

Two-Time Stanley Cup Champion Has Recorded 662 Points in 831 Games Since 2012-13

The Detroit Red Wings today traded forward Vladimir Tarasenko to the Minnesota Wild in exchange for future considerations.

Tarasenko, 33, skated in 80 games with the Red Wings during the 2024-25 season and ranked among the team leaders with 11 goals (T7th), 22 assists (7th), 33 points (7th) and 133 shots (7th). The 6-foot, 222-pound forward scored his 300th career NHL goal on Feb. 8 vs. Tampa Bay. Tarasenko split the 2023-24 campaign between the Ottawa Senators and Florida Panthers, recording 41 points (17-24-41), a plus-13 rating and 12 penalty minutes in 57 games with the Senators before tallying 14 points (6-8-14) in 19 regular-season games with the Panthers. Tarasenko helped the Panthers win their first Stanley Cup championship in 2024, logging nine points (5-4-9) in 24 postseason contests. He also captured a Stanley Cup title with St. Louis in 2019, finishing with 17 points (11-6-17) in 26 playoff matchups. Originally selected by the St. Louis Blues in the first round (16th overall) of the 2010 NHL Entry Draft, Tarasenko has compiled 662 points (304-358-662), a plus-61 rating and 203 penalty minutes in 831 games with the Blues, New York Rangers, Senators, Panthers and Red Wings since 2012-13. He has also registered 73 points (49-24-73) and 10 penalty minutes in 121 Stanley Cup Playoff games. Tarasenko has been selected to four NHL All-Star Games, including three-consecutive appearances from 2015-17. Additionally, Tarasenko was named to the NHL Second All-Star Team in 2014-15 and 2015-16, and was a finalist for the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy in 2016-17.

A native of Yaroslavl, Russia, Tarasenko played in parts of two seasons with SKA St. Petersburg in the Kontinental Hockey League prior to arriving in North America, totaling 41 points (19-22-41), a plus-22 rating and eight penalty minutes in 46 games from 2011-13. He was selected to the KHL All-Star Game in 2012 and 2013, but did not play in the 2013 edition. Tarasenko made his professional debut in the KHL with Sibir Novosibirsk, accumulating 91 points (47-44-91), a plus-24 rating and 43 penalty minutes in 161 games from 2008-12. On the international stage, Tarasenko has played for Russia at three IIHF World Championships (2011, 2015, 2021), earning a silver medal at the 2015 tournament. He also competed at the 2016 World Cup of Hockey, netting two goals in four appearances. Tarasenko represented his country at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia, dishing out one assist in five games. He skated in back-to-back IIHF World Junior Championships in 2010 and 2011, captaining Russia to a gold medal in 2011 after registering 11 points (4-7-11) and a plus-eight rating in seven games. Tarasenko also claimed a silver medal at the 2009 IIHF World Under-18 Championship and was named to the tournament’s All-Star Team after racking up 15 points (8-7-15), a plus-seven rating and six penalty minutes in seven games.

Red Wings Acquire John Gibson from Anaheim Ducks in Exchange for Petr Mrázek, a Second-Round Pick in 2027 NHL Entry Draft and a Fourth-Round Pick in 2026 NHL Entry Draft

June 29, 2025

Gibson Has Posted 204-217-63 Record in 506 Appearances with Anaheim Since 2013-14

The Detroit Red Wings today acquired goaltender John Gibson from the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for goaltender Petr Mrázek, a second-round pick in the 2027 NHL Entry Draft and a fourth-round pick in the 2026 NHL Entry Draft.

Gibson, 31, posted an 11-11-2 record with a 2.77 goals-against average and a 0.912 save percentage in 29 appearances with the Ducks in 2024-25. The 6-foot-2, 214-pound goaltender recorded his 200th career NHL win during the 2024-25 campaign, stopping 36-of-37 shots on Jan. 5 vs. Tampa Bay. Gibson also reached the 500-game milestone in 2024-25, turning away 26-of-27 shots on Feb. 4 vs. Dallas. In total, Gibson has compiled a 204-217-63 record with a 2.89 goals-against average, a 0.910 save percentage and 24 shutouts in 506 games with the Ducks since 2013-14. He has also logged an 11-13 record with a 2.80 goals-against average, a 0.912 save percentage and one shutout in 26 postseason contests, helping the Ducks reach the 2017 Western Conference Final. Gibson showed a 34-24-7 record with a 2.38 goals-against average, a 0.921 save percentage and seven shutouts in 70 American Hockey League games with the Norfolk Admirals and San Diego Gulls from 2012-16.

Originally selected by Anaheim in the second round (39th overall) of the 2011 NHL Entry Draft, Gibson played in parts of 12 seasons with the Ducks and ranks among the franchise’s all-time leading netminders with 506 games played (1st), 204 wins (2nd), 15,420 shots against (1st), 14,034 saves (1st), 28,803:29 minutes played (1st) and 24 shutouts (3rd). Gibson also places among Anaheim’s top playoff goaltenders with 26 games played (T3rd), 11 wins (4th), 754 shots against (4th), 688 saves (4th), 1,412:27 minutes played (4th) and one shutout (T5th). Gibson has represented the Ducks at three NHL All-Star Games (2016, 2019, 2022) and earned a place on the NHL All-Rookie Team in 2015-16. He was also a recipient of the William M. Jennings Trophy, presented annually “to the goaltender(s) having played a minimum of 25 games for the team(s) with the fewest goals scored against it,” sharing the award with Frederik Andersen in 2015-16.

Prior to turning professional, Gibson played two seasons with the Ontario Hockey League’s Kitchener Rangers, posting a 38-19-1 record with a 2.60 goals-against average, a 0.928 save percentage and two shutouts in 59 appearances. Gibson was selected to the OHL’s Third All-Star Team in 2011-12 and Second All-Star Team in 2012-13. The Pittsburgh, Pa., native also spent two seasons with the U.S. National Team Development Program from 2009-11. On the international stage, Gibson competed for Team North America at the 2016 World Cup of Hockey under Red Wings Head Coach Todd McLellan, logging a 1-0 record with a 2.09 goals-against average and a 0.932 save percentage in two appearances. Gibson represented Team USA at the 2013 IIHF World Championship, showing a 4-1 record with a 1.56 goals-against average, a 0.951 save percentage and one shutout in five contests. He also played at back-to-back IIHF World Junior Championships in 2012 and 2013, earning a gold medal and Most Valuable Player honors at the 2013 tournament after notching a 5-2 record with a 1.36 goals-against average, a 0.955 save percentage and one shutout in seven appearances. Additionally, Gibson captured a gold medal with Team USA at the 2011 IIHF World Under-18 Championship, winning Best Goaltender honors after finishing with a perfect 6-0 record, a 2.34 goals-against average and a 0.926 save percentage in six games.

Red Wings Sign William Lagesson to Two-Year Contract Extension

June 27, 2025

Defenseman Has Skated in 107 NHL Games with Oilers, Canadiens, Maple Leafs, Ducks and Red Wings Since 2019-20

The Detroit Red Wings today signed defenseman William Lagesson to a two-year contract extension.

Lagesson, 29, skated in seven games with the Red Wings during the 2024-25 season, recording one assist, four penalty minutes, five shots, seven blocks and six hits in 14:34 average time on ice. The 6-foot-2, 213-pound defenseman also tallied nine points (3-6-9), a plus-13 rating and 18 penalty minutes in 23 games with the American Hockey League’s Grand Rapids Griffins in 2024-25. Lagesson split the 2023-24 campaign between the Toronto Maple Leafs and Anaheim Ducks, logging four assists, a plus-five rating and 19 penalty minutes in 30 games with the Maple Leafs before registering 13 penalty minutes in 10 games with the Ducks. Lagesson also picked up one assist in five appearances with the AHL’s Toronto Marlies in 2023-24. Originally selected by the Edmonton Oilers in the fourth round (91st overall) of the 2014 NHL Entry Draft, Lagesson has totaled 12 assists and 58 penalty minutes in 107 games with the Oilers, Montréal Canadiens, Maple Leafs, Ducks and Red Wings since 2019-20. He has also collected 81 points (24-57-81), a plus-46 rating and 136 penalty minutes in 196 AHL games with the Bakersfield Condors, Chicago Wolves, Marlies and Griffins. Lagesson began the 2020-21 season with HC Vita Hästen and Kristianstads IK in Sweden’s HockeyAllsvenskan, posting 12 points (3-9-12), a plus-six rating and 12 penalty minutes in 14 games. He made his professional debut with Djurgårdens IF in the Swedish Hockey League in 2017-18, notching 13 points (1-12-13), a plus-13 rating and 30 penalty minutes in 49 regular-season games, in addition to one assist in 11 postseason contests.

Prior to turning professional, Lagesson played two seasons at the University of Massachusetts from 2015-17, recording 15 points (4-11-15) and 54 penalty minutes in 63 games. He spent the 2014-15 season with the Dubuque Fighting Saints in the United States Hockey League, logging 16 points (2-14-16), a plus-18 rating and 79 penalty minutes in 52 regular-season games, along with two points (1-1-2) in eight playoff matchups. A native of Gothenburg, Sweden, Lagesson developed in Frölunda HC’s youth system before arriving in North America. On the international stage, Lagesson represented his country at back-to-back IIHF World Junior Championships in 2015 and 2016, combining for four points (2-2-4), a plus-eight rating and 12 penalty minutes in 14 games. He also competed for Sweden at the 2014 IIHF World Under-18 Championship, netting three goals, a plus-five rating and six penalty minutes in seven games. Lagesson played at the 2013 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament, finishing with two points (2-2-4) in four appearances. He won a gold medal with Sweden at the 2013 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge, contributing one assist and 12 penalty minutes in six games.