As the NHL trade deadline creeps closer, the Detroit Red Wings find themselves in unfamiliar territory - not as sellers, not as spectators, but as potential buyers. For the first time in years, Steve Yzerman’s group is in the thick of the playoff race, and if they want to keep that momentum rolling into April, one area stands out above the rest: the blue line.
This isn’t about swinging for the fences or chasing marquee names. It’s about shoring up the foundation.
What Detroit needs isn’t a flashy top-pair defenseman - it’s a reliable, stay-at-home presence who can eat up third-pair minutes, kill penalties, and step into a bigger role if injuries hit. In short, they need a stabilizer, not a star.
So who fits that bill?
There are a few under-the-radar rental options that check the right boxes. Brett Kulak is one of them.
He’s not going to light up the scoreboard or headline the highlight reel, but what he brings is playoff experience and poise. He played meaningful minutes during the Oilers’ Stanley Cup Final run, stepping up when injuries forced the coaching staff to lean on him.
He skates well, defends responsibly, and knows what it takes to survive the grind of postseason hockey.
Then there’s Luke Schenn, a name that comes with a bit more edge - literally. Schenn brings a physical presence, a knack for penalty killing, and a pair of Stanley Cup rings.
He’s been through the wars and knows how to handle playoff pressure. If the Jets decide to pivot toward selling after a disappointing season, Schenn could be one of the first names out the door.
Seattle might also be open for business, and Jamie Oleksiak is a name worth watching. At 6-foot-7, Oleksiak brings size, reach, and a willingness to engage in the dirty areas. He’s not going to carry a pairing, but he can help limit high-danger chances and make life miserable for opposing forwards down low.
Another potential fit? Carson Soucy.
The Rangers have made it clear that changes are coming, and Soucy - a dependable defender with strong zone-denial numbers - could be a low-risk rental. His $3.25 million cap hit is on the higher side for a third-pair guy, but as a pending UFA, the commitment ends after this season.
If Detroit is looking for someone who can quietly do the job and not cause headaches, Soucy fits the mold.
The good news for the Red Wings? The price for this type of player usually isn’t astronomical.
Depth defensemen often move for a third-round pick or less at the deadline. For a team like Detroit - sitting right on the playoff bubble - that’s a manageable cost if it means solidifying the back end for a stretch run.
The reality is simple: standing pat isn’t going to cut it. The Eastern Conference is a grind, and if Detroit wants to be playing meaningful hockey in April, they’ll need to bolster the blue line.
Yzerman has reportedly been in the mix on several recent deals but ultimately backed out. That patience has served him well in the past, but this time, the clock is ticking.
There’s a real opportunity here. The Red Wings don’t need to overhaul the roster - just make the right addition. A smart, steady move on defense could be the difference between another near-miss and a return to playoff hockey in Hockeytown.