With the 2026 Winter Olympics now behind us, the spotlight shifts to the Detroit Red Wings as they chase a playoff spot. Just four games separate them from this year’s trade deadline, and March 6 is set to be a pivotal day. Under Steve Yzerman’s leadership, the Red Wings are poised to be buyers for the first time, and here’s a look at how they plan to approach this crucial period.
The Red Wings are on the hunt for impactful acquisitions, as evidenced by their pursuit of Quinn Hughes. They’re focusing on players with term but are cautious not to overpay.
This approach makes sense in theory, but execution is key. If they can make the right moves and bolster their roster internally, they’ll be well-positioned to end their playoff drought by achieving these critical objectives:
- Boost Goal-Scoring: They need to improve both at even strength and on the power play through internal growth and external additions.
Enhance Defensive Depth: Properly slotting their defensemen is essential.
- Increase Contributions from the Bottom Six: More production from the depth players is crucial.
Manage Goalie Workloads: Keeping Gibson and Talbot fresh will be vital.
Red Wings Need No. 1: Top-Six Forward
Scoring is Detroit’s top priority, with their 2.11 goals per 60 minutes at five-on-five ranking 27th in the NHL. Adding a top-six forward, whether a center or a winger, could address this issue.
A new winger could join Dylan Larkin and Lucas Raymond, while a center might slot between Patrick Kane and Alex DeBrincat. This would enhance the top six and deepen the bottom six, potentially pushing Andrew Copp into a more strategic role.
Potential targets include Robert Thomas, Elias Pettersson, Ryan O’Reilly, Jordan Kyrou, Steven Stamkos, Mika Zibanejad, and Yegor Sharangovich. If these options prove too costly, more affordable choices like Michael Bunting and Evander Kane could fit into the top nine.
Red Wings Need No. 2: Top-Four Defenseman
While Detroit’s defense has been solid, there’s room for improvement, especially beyond Moritz Seider and Simon Edvinsson. Albert Johansson and Jacob Bernard-Docker have shown promise, but the team needs a proven second-pair blueliner to partner with Ben Chiarot. This addition would allow for better lineup flexibility, with Sandin-Pellikka and Bernard-Docker taking on roles suited to their development.
Potential targets include Brandon Carlo, Nick Perbix, Dougie Hamilton, Rasmus Ristolainen, Justin Faulk, MacKenzie Weegar, and Braden Schneider. More budget-friendly options like Luke Schenn and Jamie Oleksiak could also bolster the defense.
Final Thoughts
Detroit has previously shown interest in players like Pettersson, Stamkos, Kane, Carlo, Perbix, and Hamilton, and revisiting these options could be beneficial. A dream scenario would see them acquiring Thomas and Carlo, though it would come at a high cost. Alternatively, a trade with the Nashville Predators for O’Reilly and Perbix could provide significant value.
The Red Wings have earned these reinforcements, and from what’s being heard, Yzerman is eager to reward his team.