The Detroit Red Wings have spent years trying to emerge from rebuild mode, but Hockeytown is still waiting for the payoff. Detroit finished 41–31–10 last season and missed the Stanley Cup Playoffs for a 10th straight year, extending the NHL’s longest active postseason drought. Lucas Raymond and Moritz Seider are established pillars of the young core, while John Gibson brought more stability in his first season in goal.
Detroit looks different around that core this season. Patrick Kane is back in Chicago, while Viktor Arvidsson and Keegan Kolesar joined the forward group. The organization has also undergone major front-office changes, but its stated direction is clear: Another rebuild isn’t the plan. In Hockeytown, the pressure is on to finally get over the hump.
Watching the Wings looks different, too. Detroit SportsNet replaces FanDuel Sports Network Detroit as the team’s local TV home, while 17 nationally distributed games and the usual out-of-market options add a few more pieces to the puzzle. Below, we’ll break down where games air, the complete schedule, and our best TV plans for in-market and out-of-market fans.
What channels have Detroit Red Wings games?
Most Red Wings games air locally on Detroit SportsNet (DSN). In-market fans can get DSN through participating TV providers or subscribe directly for in-market streaming. Outside Detroit’s broadcast territory, most DSN broadcasts are available through NHL Power Play on the ESPN app or NHL Center Ice.
Detroit also has 17 nationally distributed games through ESPN and TNT Sports’ NHL packages. Those include broadcasts on ABC, ESPN, ESPN+, Disney+, Hulu, and TNT. NHL Network may also carry select Red Wings matchups in out-of-market territories.
Want radio coverage? 97.1 The Ticket is the Red Wings’ flagship station and carries Detroit games throughout the season. TuneIn Premium also offers live play-by-play of every NHL game with no blackouts.
2026–2027 Detroit Red Wings TV schedule
The Red Wings’ expanded 84-game schedule runs from October 2 through April 10. Original Six rivalries are all over the slate, including four meetings apiece with Boston, Montreal, and Toronto, while 17 Detroit games are currently set for national distribution.
Here’s the complete game-by-game Red Wings schedule with Eastern start times and U.S. TV or streaming information. We’ll keep the table updated throughout the season as additional broadcast details are announced.
NHL - Detroit Red Wings Schedule
| Opponent | Date | Time (ET) | Channel |
|---|---|---|---|
Preseason | |||
Monday, Sept. 21 | 7:00 p.m. | DetroitRedWings.com | |
Tuesday, Sept. 22 | 7:00 p.m. | ESPN+, DetroitRedWings.com | |
Thursday, Sept. 24 | 7:00 p.m. | ESPN+, DSN | |
Saturday, Sept. 26 | 7:00 p.m. | ESPN+, DSN | |
October | |||
Friday, Oct. 2 | 6:30 p.m. | ||
Sunday, Oct. 4 | 1:00 p.m. | NHL Network, DSN | |
Tuesday, Oct. 6 | 7:00 p.m. | ESPN+, DSN | |
Friday, Oct. 9 | 7:00 p.m. | ESPN+, DSN | |
Saturday, Oct. 10 | 7:00 p.m. | ESPN+, DSN | |
Tuesday, Oct. 13 | 6:00 p.m. | ||
Thursday, Oct. 15 | 7:30 p.m. | ||
Saturday, Oct. 17 | 7:00 p.m. | ESPN+, DSN | |
Tuesday, Oct. 20 | 9:40 p.m. | ESPN+, DSN | |
Thursday, Oct. 22 | 10:00 p.m. | ESPN+, DSN | |
Saturday, Oct. 24 | 10:00 p.m. | ESPN+, DSN | |
Monday, Oct. 26 | 9:30 p.m. | ESPN+, DSN | |
Thursday, Oct. 29 | 7:30 p.m. | ||
Saturday, Oct. 31 | 1:00 p.m. | ESPN+, DSN | |
November | |||
Monday, Nov. 2 | 7:00 p.m. | DSN | |
Tuesday, Nov. 3 | 7:00 p.m. | DSN | |
Thursday, Nov. 5 | 7:00 p.m. | DSN | |
Saturday, Nov. 7 | 9:00 p.m. | DSN | |
Tuesday, Nov. 10 | 8:00 p.m. | ||
Thursday, Nov. 12 | 7:30 p.m. | ||
Saturday, Nov. 14 | 7:00 p.m. | DSN | |
Wednesday, Nov. 18 | 7:30 p.m. | ||
Saturday, Nov. 21 | 7:00 p.m. | DSN | |
Wednesday, Nov. 25 | 7:30 p.m. | DSN | |
Friday, Nov. 27 | 3:00 p.m. | DSN | |
Saturday, Nov. 28 | 7:00 p.m. | DSN | |
December | |||
Tuesday, Dec. 1 | 7:00 p.m. | DSN | |
Thursday, Dec. 3 | 7:00 p.m. | DSN | |
Saturday, Dec. 5 | 1:00 p.m. | DSN | |
Wednesday, Dec. 9 | 7:00 p.m. | ||
Friday, Dec. 11 | 7:00 p.m. | DSN | |
Saturday, Dec. 12 | 7:00 p.m. | DSN | |
Tuesday, Dec. 15 | 7:30 p.m. | ||
Thursday, Dec. 17 | 7:00 p.m. | DSN | |
Friday, Dec. 18 | 7:00 p.m. | DSN | |
Sunday, Dec. 20 | 5:00 p.m. | DSN | |
Tuesday, Dec. 22 | 7:00 p.m. | DSN | |
Saturday, Dec. 26 | 7:00 p.m. | DSN | |
Monday, Dec. 28 | 7:00 p.m. | DSN | |
Tuesday, Dec. 29 | 7:00 p.m. | DSN | |
Thursday, Dec. 31 | 2:00 p.m. | DSN | |
January | |||
Saturday, Jan. 2 | 3:30 p.m. | DSN | |
At Dallas Stars | Monday, Jan. 4 | 8:00 p.m. | Amazon Prime Video, DSN |
Thursday, Jan. 7 | 7:00 p.m. | DSN | |
Saturday, Jan. 9 | 7:00 p.m. | DSN | |
At Utah Mammoth | Wednesday, Jan. 13 | 9:00 p.m. | DSN |
Saturday, Jan. 16 | 7:00 p.m. | DSN | |
Sunday, Jan. 17 | 5:00 p.m. | DSN | |
Tuesday, Jan. 19 | 7:00 p.m. | Amazon Prime Video, DSN | |
Thursday, Jan. 21 | 9:00 p.m. | ||
Saturday, Jan. 23 | 12:30 p.m. | DSN | |
Monday, Jan. 25 | 7:00 p.m. | DSN | |
Wednesday, Jan. 27 | 7:30 p.m. | DSN | |
Friday, Jan. 29 | 7:00 p.m. | DSN | |
Saturday, Jan. 30 | 7:00 p.m. | DSN | |
February | |||
Tuesday, Feb. 9 | 10:00 p.m. | Amazon Prime Video, DSN | |
Thursday, Feb. 11 | 10:00 p.m. | DSN | |
Saturday, Feb. 13 | 4:00 p.m. | DSN | |
Monday, Feb. 15 | 10:00 p.m. | DSN | |
Thursday, Feb. 18 | 7:00 p.m. | DSN | |
Friday, Feb. 19 | 7:00 p.m. | DSN | |
Sunday, Feb. 21 | 3:30 p.m. | ||
Tuesday, Feb. 23 | 7:00 p.m. | DSN | |
Thursday, Feb. 25 | 7:00 p.m. | DSN | |
Saturday, Feb. 27 | 12:30 p.m. | ||
March | |||
Monday, March 1 | 7:00 p.m. | DSN | |
Thursday, March 4 | 6:00 p.m. | ||
Saturday, March 6 | 7:00 p.m. | DSN | |
Tuesday, March 9 | 8:00 p.m. | DSN | |
Friday, March 12 | 7:00 p.m. | DSN | |
Sunday, March 14 | 2:00 p.m. | ||
Tuesday, March 16 | 7:00 p.m. | DSN | |
Thursday, March 18 | 7:00 p.m. | DSN | |
Saturday, March 20 | 12:30 p.m. | DSN | |
Tuesday, March 23 | 7:00 p.m. | ||
Wednesday, March 24 | 7:30 p.m. | ||
Saturday, March 27 | 7:30 p.m. | DSN | |
Sunday, March 28 | 6:00 p.m. | ||
Tuesday, March 30 | 7:00 p.m. | DSN | |
April | |||
Friday, April 2 | 7:00 p.m. | DSN | |
Sunday, April 4 | 3:00 p.m. | DSN | |
Tuesday, April 6 | 7:30 p.m. | DSN | |
Friday, April 9 | 7:00 p.m. | DSN | |
Saturday, April 10 | 6:00 p.m. | DSN |
Best TV plans for watching the Detroit Red Wings
The right Red Wings TV setup depends heavily on where you live. Fans in Detroit SportsNet territory need DSN for most of the schedule, plus separate access to nationally distributed games. Fans outside the Red Wings’ territory can skip the local-network problem and rely primarily on NHL Power Play via the ESPN app.
We recommend three options that cover those different viewing needs. They range from broad local and national coverage to straightforward Detroit SportsNet streaming and out-of-market access.
Best Overall
DIRECTV offers the broadest setup for Detroit-area Red Wings fans. The MySports Genre Pack combines ESPN Unlimited with the major national NHL channels, while the MyHome Team add-on brings Detroit SportsNet to eligible subscribers. Together, they cover the major local and national pieces of Detroit’s schedule in one service.
Best for Local Streaming
If local Red Wings games are your priority, Detroit SportsNet is the simplest option. Its monthly streaming subscription costs $19.99 and provides in-market access to locally televised Red Wings games without a traditional TV package. The same service also carries Detroit Tigers games, making it a year-round option for Detroit sports fans.
Just keep in mind that Detroit SportsNet doesn’t carry nationally exclusive games, so you’ll need separate access for those broadcasts.
Best for Out-of-Market Fans
For Red Wings fans outside the team’s broadcast territory, ESPN Unlimited provides the most direct streaming option. The plan includes NHL Power Play, ESPN’s branded hub for out-of-market NHL games, along with ESPN and ABC coverage. You’ll still need separate access for TNT, NHL Network, and any game controlled by the NHL team in your local market.
How to watch the Detroit Red Wings FAQ
Can I watch Detroit Red Wings games for free?
Yes, you can watch occasional Red Wings games for free using an over-the-air antenna when they appear on ABC. Free trials from live TV streaming services can also provide temporary access to Detroit SportsNet or national broadcasts, but availability and location restrictions still apply.
How do I watch out-of-market Red Wings games?
If you live outside the Red Wings' broadcast territory, NHL Power Play on the ESPN app carries most Detroit SportsNet broadcasts with an ESPN Select or Unlimited plan. NHL Center Ice offers similar out-of-market access through participating cable and satellite providers.
What happened to FanDuel Sports Network Detroit?
FanDuel Sports Network Detroit is no longer the local TV home of the Red Wings. Beginning with the 2026–2027 season, locally televised games moved to Detroit SportsNet, a year-round network shared by the Red Wings and Tigers. Many of the same TV providers carry the new channel, and direct in-market streaming is also available.
Who are the TV announcers for the Detroit Red Wings?
Ken Daniels handles play-by-play for Detroit SportsNet alongside longtime color analyst Mickey Redmond. The duo continues in the booth as Red Wings broadcasts move to their new local network.
Can I watch the Detroit Red Wings in Canada?
Yes, Sportsnet+ Premium is the main streaming option for broad out-of-market Red Wings coverage in Canada. Some Detroit games may instead fall under Canada's national Sportsnet or Prime Video rights, so the exact service can vary by matchup.
Why you should trust us
CableTV.com Contributing Writer Ian McLaren has covered the NHL for nearly two decades and hosts the daily “Locked On Bruins” podcast. He’s followed the Red Wings from their championship years and historic playoff streak through the lean seasons and Hockeytown’s current decade-long postseason drought.
For this guide, Ian reviewed the complete NHL schedule along with current Red Wings, Detroit SportsNet, national broadcaster, and provider information. CableTV.com also updates viewing details as schedules and broadcast assignments change. Learn more about our process on our How We Rank page.
More ways to watch NHL games
There are a lot of channels and services to keep tabs on this NHL season. But don't worry. Our guide gives you a complete rundown, highlighting the best TV providers so you don't miss a single body check.
Skate into endless hours of NHL action with ESPN+. Stream 1,050+ out-of-market games and 47 exclusive national matchups with ESPN Select or ESPN Unlimited.
NHL Center Ice is an out-of-market sports package for cable and satellite TV subscribers that gets you around 40 NHL games per week. It also includes NHL Network for around-the-clock hockey coverage.
