Detroit City Wire

The Detroit Red Wings will conclude their 2025-26 preseason schedule against the Toronto Maple Leafs at Little Caesars Arena on Saturday night. The game, which starts at 7 p.m., will be broadcast locally on FanDuel Sports Network Detroit and WWJ Newsradio 950.

This matchup marks the second consecutive exhibition game between the two teams. In their previous meeting on Thursday, the Red Wings secured a 3-1 victory over the Maple Leafs at Scotiabank Arena.

Detroit head coach Todd McLellan commented on his team's recent performance: “We go on the road, play against a team that’s probably their Opening Night lineup and play well. That’s the goal, is to get better every day.”

After roster cuts on Friday afternoon, twenty-five players remain in Detroit's training camp. The team must reduce its roster to 23 by Monday at 5 p.m. ET in preparation for their Centennial-season opener against the Montreal Canadiens next Thursday.

Key decisions are pending regarding where prospects Michael Brandsegg-Nygård, Emmitt Finnie, and Axel Sandin-Pellikka will begin their seasons. McLellan noted: “It’s energizing to see those three, but there were some that were also really close and they’re going back to Grand Rapids. They’re going to work on their games, and we hope to see them at some point. That’s progress in the organization that there’s youth knocking on the door. You don’t like anybody playing in fear, but you like being pushed. I think some of our players right now are being pushed by the youth that’s coming in, and the good thing about that is there’s no resentment in the club towards these three. The leaders have opened their arms and welcomed them. Usually, that’s a sign that they believe these individuals can help the team too.”

Axel Sandin-Pellikka said he has gained confidence during training camp: “I’ve been feeling good ever since getting here,” he said. “We’ve been scrimmaging pretty much since Day 1 here, so coming into games has been easier than expected. I just go out there and try to play my game.”

Emmitt Finnie credited his offseason preparation for helping him compete this preseason: “I definitely improved my stride,” he said. “Just overall strength, I feel like I was in the gym a lot more this summer. Getting that taste in the AHL last year and the size and speed of the players was definitely huge for my offseason.”

Michael Brandsegg-Nygård emphasized his focus during camp: “I’m willing to play hard and want to win every game,” he said.

With several strong performances from both veterans and younger players throughout preseason games, final roster spots remain undecided as opening night approaches.

McLellan summarized: “Of course, you want younger players that are evolving and developing to play and experience as much as they possibly can,” he said. “Can that happen here? Can they get the minutes that they need? Potentially they can, so we got to look at that part of it. We got to look at their physical and mental state as the days go on, and then we must figure out the roster. Not everybody can stay.”