1971–72 Detroit Red Wings season

The 1971–72 Detroit Red Wings season was Marcel Dionne's rookie season. The Red Wings placed fifth to miss the playoffs.

Regular season
Head coach Doug Barkley won just 3 of the first 11 games before being replaced by Johnny Wilson.

During his first season for Detroit in 1971–72, Marcel Dionne set an NHL record for scoring by a rookie with 77 points. This record has since been surpassed.

Forwards
Note: GP = Games played; G = Goals; A = Assists; Pts = Points; PIM = Penalty minutes

Defencemen
Note: GP = Games played; G = Goals; A = Assists; Pts = Points; PIM = Penalty minutes

Goaltending
Note: GP = Games played; W = Wins; L = Losses; T = Ties; SO = Shutouts; GA = Goals against; GAA = Goals against average

Awards and records

 * Marcel Dionne, NHL record (since broken), Most points by a rookie with 77 points.

Transactions
The Red Wings were involved in the following transactions during the 1971–72 season: