At the end of last season, the Detroit Red Wings’ braintrust of GM Steve Yzerman and coach Todd McLellan expressed concern regarding the team’s leadership group.

“I would say you cannot have too much leadership,” Yzerman said. “You know, like we need more.”

McLellan wasn’t disputing that sentiment.

“I agree with Steve,” McLellan said.

The offseason addition of forwards James van Riemsdyk and Mason Appleton were certainly about the skills both would add to the Red Wings. Appleton is a quality checker and penalty killer. Meanwhile, van Riemsdyk has delivered offensive productivity for a number of teams over his long career.

Still, there was another element both players could provide. Each has a resume filled with years of playing in winning environments.

Mason Appleton has goals in back-to-back games! 🚨

📺: @NHL_On_TNT & @StreamOnMax ➡️ https://t.co/4TuyIATi3T pic.twitter.com/hZzpaGkKx7

— NHL (@NHL) October 16, 2025

Appleton has spent seven seasons with the Winnipeg Jets. As a young NHLer, he learned the game under the tutelage of coach Paul Maurice, the guy who has led the Florida Panthers to the past two Stanley Cup titles.

“Winnipeg’s had some real good years,” McLellan said. “You can tell he’s been able to play around a team that’s won a lot.

“He gets the game. He knows when he should be pulling out, and he knows when he should be diving in. His game management skills are pretty good.”

JVR Played in The Stanley Cup Final

During his 17-season NHL career, van Riemsdyk has scored 30 goals twice and at least 20 goals in five other seasons. He’s played in the Stanley Cup final.

JVR, WOW! 🤯

James van Riemsdyk nets his first as a member of the @DetroitRedWings! #NHLFaceOff

📺: @SportsOnPrimeCA ➡️ https://t.co/93veFI9jrZ pic.twitter.com/Yr8sJ6GJyh

— NHL (@NHL) October 13, 2025

Obviously, he’s a crafty veteran,” McLellan said. “He gets moments, he gets situations. He has some poise with the puck that we’re hoping others will get eventually.

“I think our team knows him fairly well. They’ve been out east here forever. And anybody that’s been in the league has a pretty good idea of what his toolbox looks like.”