The Detroit Red Wings are heading into the new season with major questions hanging over the organization, but Moritz Seider says his approach will not change. Speaking in Berlin during the European Player Media Tour, the 25-year-old defenseman from Zell, Germany, stated that he is concentrating on what he can control and embracing the pressure to help end Detroit’s long playoff drought.
Challenges Facing the Detroit Red Wings
The upheaval in Detroit includes the departure of longtime executive Steve Yzerman from the general manager role, the loss of veteran forward Patrick Kane in free agency, and uncertainty around captain Dylan Larkin after his trade request in June. The Red Wings missed the postseason for the 10th straight year, finishing 41-31-10 and falling seven points short after a 3-8-2 slide in their final 13 games, during which they were outscored 54-38.
Seider believes the best way to steady the team is by elevating his own game. He sees significant room to improve and wants to establish himself among the NHL’s top defensemen, aiming to be the kind of player opponents dislike facing. His focus is on shutting down elite forwards and giving Detroit a chance to win tight, low-scoring games.
Last season was the strongest of his NHL career. Seider posted a personal-best 60 points (10 goals, 50 assists) and led the Red Wings with a plus-15 rating, marking his first positive plus-minus season. He also ranked third in the League in average ice time at 25:40 per game. Durable and consistent since debuting in 2021-22, he has not missed a game, compiling 240 points (39 goals, 201 assists) in 410 appearances. Internationally, he performed well at the 2026 Olympics, where Germany placed sixth.
Seider acknowledged the uncertainty around the roster, expressed disappointment over Yzerman’s exit, and noted he will miss Kane. He also recognized that decisions about Larkin and other personnel are out of his hands. His priority, he said, is to report ready for the 2026-27 season, focus on his responsibilities, and help deliver a season the team and its fans can be proud of.