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IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect The post Lidstrom: Red Wings Expect Arvidsson to Play in Top Six appeared first on Detroit Hockey Now.
IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect For the first time since 2015, the Detroit Red Wings didnt select a Swede in the NHL Entry Draft.
They rectified that oversight quickly during the July 1 NHL free-agent signing day.
Inked to free-agent contracts were a pair of Swedish forwards veteran winger Viktor Arvidsson , and intriguing prospect Wilmer Skoog.
They are expecting big things from Arvidsson.
He scored 25 goals last season with the Boston Bruins.
Skoog, on the other hand, only counts two NHL points on his resume.
However, the Red Wings witnessed both of them.
The 26-year-old Swede dished out two helpers in that 8-1 season-ending drubbing Florida put on Detroit.
Arvidsson Viewed as Valuable Red Wings Addition Arvidsson brings familiarity to the Detroit lineup.
He played for Los Angeles when Red Wings coach Todd McLellan was behind the Kings bench.
Happy to have ya! Full https://t.co/KDzaR1DcLs pic.twitter.com/aaCCrLUbew Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) July 2, 2026 Our coach had Arvidsson in the LA Kings and knows that he has leadership qualities, Red Wings vice president of hockey operations Nicklas Lidstrom told reporter Gunnar Nordstrom of Swedish website Expressen.
He will bring that.
Then he is a player who will go hard on goal and be uncomfortable to face because he competes all the time.
He will play among our top six forwards.
Skoog Figures to Start in Grand Rapids Skoog scored 22 goals as an AHL rookie with the Charlotte Checkers in 2023-24.
He counted 18 goals for Charlotte last season.
In his final two NCAA seasons with the Boston Terriers, the Swedish forward scored 31 goals and collected 61 points in 72 games.
WELCOME WILMER The #RedWings have signed Wilmer Skoog to a one-year, two-way contract.
pic.twitter.com/VPMxa2rCCT Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) July 1, 2026 Lidstrom has familiarity with Skoogs work.
He played in Lidstroms hometown as a junior.
I recognize Wilmer Skoog a little bit from his time in Vasteras juniors, Lidstrom said.
He will start the season in Grand Rapids in the AHL, and if he plays well, he will get a chance with the Red Wings.
The post Lidstrom: Red Wings Expect Arvidsson to Play in Top Six appeared first on Detroit Hockey Now .