Image Source: NHL.com
Blackhawks vs Red Wings action takes center stage Thursday night as Chicago visits Detroit in a game filled with lineup changes, emotional storylines and major questions surrounding Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin. The puck is scheduled to drop at 7:30 p.m. ET on October 29, 2026, with the game available on Disney+, Hulu, ESPN+ and SN+.
Blackhawks vs Red Wings bring contrasting records into Detroit
The Blackhawks enter the matchup with a 4-8-0 record, while the Red Wings are 5-4-3. Both teams are looking for momentum, but Detroit will take the ice under unusual circumstances after Larkin was suspended by the organization without pay.
According to the NHL.com status report, Larkin told the team he would not play until he is traded. As a result, he will not be available against Chicago, adding a dramatic layer to an already important divisional matchup. The Red Wings’ decision has immediately intensified attention around the club’s roster plans and trade situation.
Patrick Kane returns to face his former team
One of the night’s biggest on-ice storylines is Patrick Kane facing Detroit for the first time since playing with the Red Wings during the previous three seasons. Kane is projected to skate on Chicago’s third line alongside Frank Nazar and Oliver Moore.
The veteran forward is also chasing a significant milestone. Kane is looking for his 900th NHL assist, giving the game added historical importance beyond the two points available in the standings. His return to Detroit is expected to draw considerable attention from fans and teammates alike.
Chicago’s top line is projected to feature Roman Kantserov, Connor Bedard and Teuvo Teravainen. Teravainen and Ryan Greene are expected to switch lines, while Bedard remains at the center of Chicago’s leading offensive unit.
Projected Blackhawks lineup and injury report
The Blackhawks are expected to use the following forward combinations:
- Roman Kantserov – Connor Bedard – Teuvo Teravainen
- Tyler Bertuzzi – Anton Frondell – Ryan Donato
- Oliver Moore – Frank Nazar – Patrick Kane
- Cole Smith – Jordan Greenway – Ryan Greene
Chicago’s projected defense pairs are Alex Vlasic with Ian Cole, Wyatt Kaiser with Artyom Levshunov, and Kevin Korchinski with Sam Rinzel. Spencer Knight is projected to start in goal, with Arvid Soderblom serving as the backup.
Vlasic is listed as a game-time decision after missing the morning skate because of an illness. Bowen Byram remains out with an upper-body injury. Andrew Mangiapane and Ethan Del Mastro are projected to be scratched.
Red Wings face critical lineup challenge without Larkin
Detroit is projected to feature Alex DeBrincat, Emmitt Finnie and Viktor Arvidsson on its top forward line. Michael Brandsegg-Nygard, Andrew Copp and Lucas Raymond are expected to form the second unit, while Michael Rasmussen, Nate Danielson and J.T. Compher make up the third line.
The fourth line is projected to include Carter Mazur and Keegan Kolesar. Larkin’s absence leaves a major hole in the Red Wings lineup and puts additional responsibility on Copp, Raymond and Danielson to help drive the offense.
Detroit’s defense is expected to include Ben Chiarot with Moritz Seider, William Wallinder with Justin Faulk, and Andreas Englund with Anton Johansson. Axel Sandin-Pellikka appears in the lineup projection but is also listed among the scratches, so the final defensive arrangement could change before warmups.
John Gibson is projected to start in net for Detroit. Daniil Tarasov is expected to return after missing three games with an undisclosed injury and serve as Gibson’s backup.
Important Red Wings absences
- Dylan Larkin is suspended by the team without pay.
- Mason Appleton is out with an undisclosed injury.
- Marco Kasper is sidelined with an upper-body injury.
- Albert Johansson is unavailable because of an undisclosed injury.
- Sheldon Dries is listed as a scratch after being recalled from Grand Rapids.
Why this NHL matchup matters
The Blackhawks vs Red Wings contest carries significance for both teams, but Detroit’s internal drama makes the matchup especially compelling. Chicago will try to capitalize on a disrupted Red Wings lineup while relying on Bedard’s creativity and Kane’s experience to generate offense.
For Detroit, the focus will be on maintaining structure without Larkin and limiting distractions surrounding his trade demand. Gibson’s return to the crease could provide stability, while Seider, Raymond and DeBrincat will be asked to lead the response.
With Kane pursuing a milestone and Larkin’s future dominating the headlines, this rivalry game has all the ingredients for a tense and memorable night in Detroit.
FAQs about Blackhawks vs Red Wings
When is the Blackhawks vs Red Wings game?
The game is scheduled for Thursday, October 29, 2026, at 7:30 p.m. ET.
Where can fans watch the game?
The matchup is scheduled to air on Disney+, Hulu, ESPN+ and SN+.
Will Dylan Larkin play for Detroit?
No. Larkin is suspended by the Red Wings without pay after telling the team he would not play until he is traded.
Is Patrick Kane playing against Detroit?
Yes. Kane is projected to play for Chicago against Detroit for the first time since spending the previous three seasons with the Red Wings.
Who are the projected starting goalies?
Spencer Knight is projected to start for Chicago, while John Gibson is projected to start for Detroit.
