The 1971–72 Detroit Red Wings season was Marcel Dionne's rookie season.
The Red Wings placed fifth to miss the playoffs.
Head coach Doug Barkley won just 3 of the first 11 games before being replaced by Johnny Wilson.
[1] During his first season for Detroit in 1971–72, Marcel Dionne set an NHL record for scoring by a rookie with 77 points.
Note: GP = Games played; G = Goals; A = Assists; Pts = Points; PIM = Penalty minutes [1] Note: GP = Games played; G = Goals; A = Assists; Pts = Points; PIM = Penalty minutes [1] Note: GP = Games played; W = Wins; L = Losses; T = Ties; SO = Shutouts; GA = Goals against; GAA = Goals against average [1] The Red Wings were involved in the following transactions during the 1971–72 season: