With the NHL trade deadline inching closer, the Detroit Red Wings are once again in the thick of the rumor mill - and GM Steve Yzerman is playing things close to the vest, as usual. But while Yzerman rarely tips his hand, the buzz around the league suggests he’s actively exploring ways to bolster the roster, particularly on the blue line and down the middle. The Wings are in the playoff hunt and looking to add pieces that can help them not just get in, but make some noise once they’re there.
Let’s break down some of the names being linked to Detroit and what those moves could mean.
Logan Stanley - Winnipeg Jets, Defenseman
The Red Wings and Jets have reportedly been in discussions, and the name that keeps surfacing is 6-foot-7 defenseman Logan Stanley. That’s a lot of reach and physicality - and Detroit seems intrigued by what that kind of presence could bring to their back end.
Why it could work: Stanley is finally starting to tap into his offensive tools, with nine goals already this season - a huge leap for a player who had never scored more than once in a year. He’s killing penalties, blocking shots, and throwing his weight around. He’s on pace for 100 blocked shots and 100 hits, which tells you he’s not shying away from the physical side of the game.
What gives you pause: He’s not logging top-pair minutes - averaging just over 16 minutes a night - and that’s a key consideration for a Detroit team looking for a second-pair anchor. The Jets are reportedly asking for a first-round pick, but it’s more likely they’ll have to settle for a second. Still, it’s a steep price for a player who doesn’t yet project as a 20-minute-a-night guy.
Justin Faulk - St. Louis Blues, Defenseman
If the Wings are looking for a more experienced, reliable option on the right side, Justin Faulk checks a lot of boxes. The 33-year-old is a proven two-way defenseman and could slide in nicely next to Ben Chiarot on the second pair.
Why it could work: Faulk is logging over 22 minutes a night and still producing offensively, with 11 goals already this season. He’s been a shot-blocking machine for years - averaging 113 blocks per season over the last four campaigns - and brings a smart, competitive edge. He’s under contract for one more year at a $6.5 million cap hit, which gives Detroit some cost certainty without a long-term commitment.
What gives you pause: The cost. St.
Louis GM Doug Armstrong reportedly wants a haul - a first-rounder, a second, a roster player, and a prospect. And if Detroit makes a deep playoff run, that second-rounder might need to become another first.
That’s a hefty price tag for a player in his mid-30s, even one as steady as Faulk.
Nazem Kadri & MacKenzie Weegar - Calgary Flames, Center and Defenseman
There’s chatter that Detroit and Calgary have discussed a significant deal involving both Nazem Kadri and MacKenzie Weegar - a move that would address two of Detroit’s biggest needs in one swing.
Why it could work: Kadri would give the Wings a veteran center with playoff pedigree, while Weegar is a rugged, top-four defenseman who can log big minutes and bring a physical edge. Weegar’s ability to block shots (175) and lay the body (200 hits) is well-documented, and he’s averaging around 22 minutes per game. This duo would instantly make Detroit tougher and deeper.
What gives you pause: The contracts. Kadri is 35 and has three years left at $7 million per - and he’s only got 10 goals this season.
Weegar, 32, is locked in for five more years at $6.25 million, and his current form has dipped below expectations. That’s a lot of term and money for two players who may already be on the back nine of their careers.
There’s also a growing belief that Kadri could end up in Montreal, and teams are understandably cautious about taking on Weegar’s deal.
Artemi Panarin - New York Rangers, Winger
Here’s the big swing. Artemi Panarin, the electric Russian winger, is reportedly open to coming to Detroit - and willing to sign an extension right away. While the Kings might be the frontrunner, the Red Wings are still in the mix.
Why it could work: Even at 34, Panarin is a game-changer. He’s a point-per-game machine and has averaged around 100 points per season over the past four years.
Plugging him into a top-six role alongside Dylan Larkin and Lucas Raymond would give Detroit a lethal scoring line. With Patrick Kane and Alex DeBrincat likely staying together, Panarin would add another dynamic layer to the offense - and a proven playoff performer to the mix.
What gives you pause: Detroit’s most pressing need is at center, not wing. And Panarin isn’t coming cheap - he’s reportedly looking for $50 million total, regardless of term.
Yzerman isn’t likely to hand out a $12.5 million AAV to a 34-year-old, especially for more than four years. Plus, the Rangers’ asking price is steep: a first-round pick, a second, a roster player, and a prospect.
That’s a lot for a player whose best years may be behind him - even if the production still looks elite.
The Bottom Line
Yzerman has options - and none of them are simple. Whether it’s the upside of a young, towering defenseman like Stanley, the steady presence of Faulk, the all-in package from Calgary, or the star power of Panarin, each move comes with its own mix of risk and reward.
What’s clear is that the Red Wings are in buying mode. They’re not just trying to sneak into the playoffs - they’re looking to build a team that can do some damage once they get there.
The right deal could be the difference between a first-round exit and a legitimate run. Now it’s just a matter of whether Yzerman is ready to pull the trigger - and how much he’s willing to pay.