JT Compher is often the whipping boy of Detroit Red Wings fans. And there are certainly occasions that warrant such criticism.

In this instance, though, kudos are the order of the day for the club’s oft-maligned center.

Facing a crisis at center with captain Dylan Larkin, Andrew Copp, and Michael Rasmussen all on the injury list, Compher became the club’s de facto No. 1 man in the middle. With circumstances forcing Compher into the top-line role, he’s coming through with flying colors.

“I’ve liked what JT’s done,” Red Wings coach Todd McLellan said. “Yeah, he’s done a tremendous job going up there.

“It sometimes works that way. You get a bigger role, you take more on, you play better. You just throw yourself out there, and you play better.

“So it’s been really good to see him play with confidence and play aggressively.”

J.T. Compher – Detroit Red Wings (10) pic.twitter.com/sNyibBUeew

— NHL Goal Videos (@NHLGoalVideos) March 20, 2026

Even with Copp back from injury for Thursday’s vital game with the Montreal Canadiens, McLellan was opting to leave Compher between Patrick Kane and Alex DeBrincat. The decision paid off. Compher potted the game-tying goal. DeBrincat netted the game-winner in Detroit’s 3-1 victory.

Playing between the two high-end skill players, Compher is simplifying his game. He’s focusing on puck retrieval and going to the net with authority.

“He’s found some chemistry with those guys,” McLellan said.

Compher Downplaying How He’s Delivering For Red Wings

As much as he’s stepped up for the team, Compher strives to step aside when the compliments come flowing his way.

“Yeah, I mean, you want to do whatever’s asked of you to help the team, and some nights it’s different,” Compher said. “What’s going on right now with some of our centers out and Copper just getting back, it’s fun. You want to play as much as possible because you want to help the team.”

An unrestricted free agent in the summer of 2023, Compher agreed to terms on a five-year, $25,500,000 contract with a cap hit of $5,100,000 per season. It’s frequently turning him into a lightning rod for criticism among the fan base.

JT Compher led all forwards in ice time and the Red Wings won. Nothing makes sense

— blue (@theblueautumn) March 20, 2026

The Red Wings were looking for a No. 2 center when they paid Compher. But during his Detroit tenure, he’s logging much of his playing time on the third and fourth lines.

Over the long haul, Compher isn’t a top-six forward to be sure. But he’s scored 10 goals this season. That’s the ninth successive season in which Compher has accounted for double digits in the goals column.

“We have to give him credit for some of the checking that he does,” McLellan said. “He’s our only right-handed centerman. Our penalty kill has improved, and he and Copp are out there for a large amount of time together, so he’s got to get some credit for that.

“But we also got to put a little bit of weight on his shoulders for creating opportunities for himself and for others, and then finishing.”

Without a doubt, there are holes in Compher’s game. Considering the money that the Red Wings are paying him, often the juice doesn’t equate to the squeeze with him.

However, it’s definitely noteworthy that right now, when the team needs him the most, Compher is stepping up and answering the call.