Red Wings miss playoffs, shift focus to World Championship

The Detroit Red Wings' playoff hopes vanished once again, extending their drought. Instead of competing for the Stanley Cup, several Red Wings will lace up for the 2025 IIHF World Championship. While their NHL season didn’t meet expectations, this tournament offers a meaningful second chance on the ice.Moritz Seider will rejoin Team Germany for his fifth appearance at the event.The 24-year-old defenseman missed last year due to contract complications but is now fully committed. In 2023, he helped Germany reach the silver-medal game. This year, he’s back with more NHL experience and leadership.Simon Edvinsson, 22, will represent Sweden for the first time at the senior level. After completing his first full NHL season with Detroit, he posted a strong plus-minus and showed consistency in key defensive moments. He was a standout for Sweden at the World Juniors and now has a chance to shine again, this time on home ice in Stockholm.Austria’s Marco Kasper, just 21, will also return to the World Championship. His last outing with the national team was in 2022. Since then, he’s grown considerably. This season, he climbed Detroit’s depth chart and centered the second line. His development is promising, and Austria will count on his NHL-tested skillset.Lucas Raymond heads back to the World Championship for a third straight year. After helping Sweden to bronze in 2024, he returns as one of the team’s core players. In his previous tournament appearances, he produced nearly a point per game and served in a leadership role.His recent NHL season showed offensive growth and maturity. Raymond’s chemistry with Swedish teammates could be key as Sweden plays on home soil. His familiarity with the tournament could offer Sweden a competitive edge.The tournament will feature 16 teams split across two groups. Sweden and Austria are in Group A with Canada and Finland. Germany is in Group B with Czechia and the United States. Only the top four from each group advance to the quarterfinals, increasing the pressure in early games.High-level competition is expected, especially with stars like Crosby and MacKinnon joining Team Canada. For players like Kasper and Edvinsson, the event will be both a challenge and an opportunity to grow.Read More: Maple Leafs, Oilers, Jets Power through 2025 NHL playoff bracketFor the four Red Wings, the World Championship offers more than just a consolation. It's a chance to gain experience, build confidence, and represent their nations on a big stage. While the NHL season didn’t go their way, the international spotlight could provide momentum heading into next season.