Red Wings Eyeing Playoff Push - But Steve Yzerman Has Work to Do at the Deadline
The Olympic break offers a rare moment of calm in the NHL calendar, but don’t expect things to stay quiet for long in Detroit. With the trade deadline looming and the Red Wings sitting in a playoff spot for the first time in nearly a decade, general manager Steve Yzerman finds himself in a position of strength - and opportunity.
Let’s be clear: this team isn’t just flirting with the postseason anymore. After a couple of near-misses in recent years, Detroit is firmly in the mix, currently holding third place in the Atlantic Division with a 33-19-6 record. That’s good for a 78% playoff probability, and if things break right, they could even secure home-ice advantage in the first round.
But despite the promising record, there are cracks in the foundation. The Red Wings have been leaning heavily on John Gibson, who’s been lights-out since December.
And while Gibson’s resurgence has been a major boost, it’s not exactly a sustainable game plan come playoff time. That’s where Yzerman’s massive deadline cap space - a staggering $59.38 million - comes into play.
What the Red Wings Have to Work With
Yzerman’s in a rare spot: his team is winning, his cap sheet is clean, and he’s got assets to burn. Detroit is sitting on a full stockpile of draft picks - including their own first, second, and third-rounders in 2026, plus extras in the later rounds. They’ve also got both 2027 and 2026 first-round picks, which could become valuable trade chips if the right deal comes along.
And let’s not forget the prospect pool. The Wings have picked in the first round 13 years running - not every selection has turned into a star, but it’s been enough to keep the pipeline flowing. If Yzerman wants to swing big, he’s got the ammunition.
Goaltending is where things get especially interesting. Cam Talbot has been serviceable, but with Sebastian Cossa waiting in the wings and Trey Augustine lighting it up at Michigan State, Detroit has the kind of depth in net that other teams envy.
Augustine, in particular, is turning heads. The 20-year-old has a 20-6-0 record with a .932 save percentage and a 1.96 goals-against average - and that’s before you count his two gold medals from the World Juniors.
If Yzerman were to dangle Augustine in a deal, the return could be massive.
Of course, not every prospect is untouchable. While names like Carter Bear, Michael Brandsegg-Nygard, and Nate Danielson are likely staying put, others - such as Amadeus Lombardi, Carter Mazur, or Shai Buium - could be included in packages to bring in more immediate help.
What the Red Wings Need
1. A Legit Top-Four Defenseman
This is the most glaring hole in Detroit’s lineup. Even before Simon Edvinsson went down with a lower-body injury on January 22, the Red Wings were thin on the blue line. Since his injury, they’ve gone 2-3-1 - a clear sign that the current group isn’t quite cutting it.
The issue isn’t just depth - it’s trust. Head coach Todd McLellan hasn’t shown a ton of confidence in rookie Axel Sandin Pellikka in high-leverage spots, and while Ben Chiarot brings veteran presence, he’s better suited to a third-pairing role.
Detroit has been loosely linked to names like Dougie Hamilton and Justin Faulk, and both would be solid fits. If someone like Morgan Rielly becomes available, Detroit should be on the phone immediately.
They need a stabilizing presence on the back end if they want to make a real playoff run.
2. Some Grit Up Front - Without Sacrificing Skill
This isn’t about bringing in a goon. It’s about getting harder to play against - especially in the postseason, when space shrinks and every shift feels like a battle.
Right now, Detroit’s most physical forwards are Marco Kasper (131 hits) and Emmitt Finnie (86). That’s not going to cut it in a seven-game series against teams like Boston or Florida.
They don’t need a Ryan Reaves type, but a player who brings physicality and can contribute offensively would be a welcome addition. Kiefer Sherwood would’ve been an ideal fit, but he’s already off the board, having been traded to San Jose.
One name that makes sense? Evander Kane.
He’s got nine goals and 25 points this season with Vancouver, and he’s consistently hit the 100-hit mark throughout his career. He brings playoff experience, a bit of edge, and just enough scoring punch to make a difference.
The Bottom Line
The Red Wings are in a rare position: a playoff team with flexibility, assets, and a GM who’s not afraid to make bold moves. The pieces are there - but this roster still needs a little more muscle on the blue line and a bit more bite up front to truly contend.
If Yzerman plays this right, Detroit could be more than just a feel-good playoff story. They could be a legitimate problem for whoever draws them in the first round.