Red Wings Eyeing Veteran Center to Bolster Top Six
The Detroit Red Wings are in the market for a veteran top-six center - and they’re not just window shopping. According to league sources, Detroit is actively looking to add a proven pivot with term left on his deal, and they’re willing to pay the price to get it done.
Right now, Andrew Copp is holding down the second-line center role, but that wasn’t necessarily the plan long-term. Marco Kasper, the organization’s promising young forward, had been projected as the future 2C, but he’s currently been shifted to the wing - a move that signals Detroit’s intent to bring in a more seasoned presence down the middle.
And they’ve got their eyes on some big names.
Vincent Trocheck is reportedly at the top of Detroit’s wish list. The 30-year-old has been a consistent two-way force and brings the kind of experience and edge that would fit nicely in the Red Wings’ top six. He’s also under contract, which aligns with Detroit’s desire for stability rather than a short-term rental.
If Trocheck isn’t available or the price gets too steep, Nazem Kadri and Elias Pettersson are also believed to be on Detroit’s radar. Kadri, known for his grit and playoff pedigree, could bring a physical edge and leadership to a locker room still growing into its identity. Pettersson, meanwhile, would be a blockbuster-level swing - a dynamic offensive talent who could reshape the team’s top line.
But with the Olympic break in full swing, don’t expect any fireworks just yet.
Right now, most NHL front offices are using the pause to regroup. According to league insiders, general managers are spending this time mapping out trade strategies, evaluating their rosters, and preparing for contract talks - especially with pending free agents. Players not participating in the Olympics are getting some rest, and so are the execs, at least for the moment.
That doesn’t mean conversations aren’t happening behind the scenes. Teams like Seattle, Columbus, and Toronto are expected to use this window to assess whether they can lock down key players before the trade deadline forces their hand. In Columbus, for example, Boone Jenner’s future is being discussed - and while there’s optimism something can be worked out, others like Charlie Coyle may be eyeing the open market, which could shift the Blue Jackets’ approach quickly.
Seattle, too, is at a crossroads with players like Jamie Oleksiak, Jordan Eberle, Eeli Tolvanen, and Jaden Schwartz. All four are key contributors, and how those conversations unfold over the next couple of weeks could determine whether the Kraken become buyers, sellers, or something in between.
As for the Red Wings, they’re clearly positioning themselves to be buyers. The decision to move Kasper to the wing wasn’t just about development - it was a signal.
Detroit wants to win now, or at least take the next step toward becoming a consistent playoff team. Adding a veteran center with term is part of that equation.
The Olympic trade freeze may be slowing things down temporarily, but make no mistake: the groundwork is being laid. Once the break ends and teams return to full operations, expect the market to heat up - and expect Detroit to be right in the middle of it.