For some players skating with the Detroit Red Wings rookies, they know that there are going to be plenty of tomorrows ahead to make their mark.

Others are left wondering whether tomorrow will ever come.

Unsigned free agents have about a week to make someone notice. For players on minor-league deals, at least they know they’ll have somewhere to play this season, more time to make an impression.

All of them want a bigger slice of the pie. And rookie games like this weekend’s set between the Red Wings and Dallas Stars offer them a window of opportunity.

“Any of the free agent guys that are here, it’s a great opportunity to be seen not just by us, but by Dallas’s organization, as well as any other scouts in the building,” said Grand Rapids Griffins coach Dan Watson, who handled the Detroit rookies over the weekend. “You know, they can sign anywhere they want, so make sure that you put your best foot forward.”

Rookie Free Agents Look To Impress Red Wings

Center Liam Kilfoil scored a sweet goal for Detroit in Sunday’s 6-5 loss to Dallas, breaking into the clear and roofing a backhand. He also took a penalty that led to a Dallas power-play goal. At only 18, he can return to play for the QMJHL Halifax Mooseheads this season.

A beauty from Liam Kilfoil pic.twitter.com/A0CoJaKTAK

— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) September 15, 2025

Among the free agents, Watson cited Prince Albert Raiders defenseman Justice Christensen and Moncton Wildcats winger Vincent Collard among players who were leaving a positive impression.

“I also liked (defenseman Jacob) Truscott’s game,” Watson said. “He is on an American League deal, but I didn’t see him live until now. And also Collard up front, a big right winger. I thought he played heavy. I thought he was trying to do the right things.

“Those guys right there made a real good impression, and we could see their compete level. I think something we admire and hold heavily inside that coach’s room is how hard guys compete, and are willing to do some of the work. And then those three guys stepped up.”

Bantle Battles So Red Wings Will Notice

Second-year pro Carson Bantle stands out in a crowd. At 6-foot-5 and 215 pounds, that comes naturally to the left-winger.

The second-year pro was a dominant presence in Sunday’s game. Bantle owned the Dallas net front. He even displayed a deft touch with a nifty back pass to Shai Buium for a Detroit power-play goal.

Buium & Bantle in the first ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/D3LanKXgKW

— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) September 14, 2025

In 62 games last season with Grand Rapids (AHL) and Toledo (ECHL), Bantle accounted for 22 goals. He was a 2020 draft pick of the Arizona Coyotes who was never signed. Like Truscott, Bantle is playing on an AHL contract.

“These last two games, you can see his physical presence,” Watson said. “He finishes his checks. He’s relentless on the forecheck. He does a really good job around the net.

“So we’ll see where he shakes out this year for where he fits in our lineup.”

As long as he’s still playing pro, Bantle always has a chance. Just last season, the Red Wings opted to sign Dominik Shine, 31, who was in GR on an AHL deal.

Shine ended up playing nine games for the Red Wings.