The NHL trade deadline is still a few weeks out, but the Detroit Red Wings are already feeling the pressure. Two high-profile targets - Quinn Hughes and Artemi Panarin - are off the board, and neither ended up in Detroit. That’s a gut punch for a team on the brink of snapping a long playoff drought.
Both players were firmly on Steve Yzerman’s radar. In Hughes’ case, the Red Wings hesitated because they wanted a contract extension in place before pulling the trigger. As for Panarin, he had full control of his destination thanks to a no-trade clause, and he only had eyes for the Kings.
Now, with the trade market heating up and Detroit clinging to postseason hopes, the pressure’s squarely on Yzerman to make a move. The Red Wings are in the thick of the Eastern Conference playoff race, but they need reinforcements - specifically, a second-line center and a right-shot defenseman who can help now and stay beyond this season.
Here are three names that check those boxes and could help Detroit make the leap from playoff hopeful to playoff lock.
3. Vincent Trocheck, C, New York Rangers
If you’re looking for a second-line center with term and playoff experience, Vincent Trocheck is a name that fits the Red Wings’ needs like a glove. He’s not the flashiest option out there, but he brings exactly what Detroit is missing down the middle: responsible two-way play, faceoff dominance, and a gritty edge that translates well in the postseason.
Trocheck has a career faceoff win percentage of 54.2 - that’s elite territory. And while his scoring numbers might not jump off the page, he’s quietly effective in all three zones. The Red Wings don’t need him to be a 90-point guy; they need someone who can win draws, play tough minutes, and support the skill players around him.
He’s under contract through the 2028-29 season at $5.6 million per year, which is solid value for a dependable second-line center. And there’s potential chemistry here - imagine Trocheck between Patrick Kane and Alex DeBrincat. That’s a trio that could do some real damage.
For the Rangers, moving Trocheck could help them recoup value after a less-than-stellar return in the Panarin deal. For Detroit, it’s a chance to solidify a major need with a player who fits their timeline.
2. Justin Faulk, RD, St. Louis Blues
Right-shot defensemen with term are hard to come by, especially ones who can play in all situations. That’s what makes Justin Faulk such an intriguing target for the Red Wings.
With Moritz Seider anchoring the top pairing, Detroit doesn’t need a No. 1 guy - they need someone who can stabilize the second pair, contribute on special teams, and bring a veteran presence to a young blue line. Faulk checks all of those boxes.
This season, Faulk’s putting together a strong campaign with 11 goals and 19 assists through 57 games - on pace for his best offensive output since 2022-23. He’s also logging meaningful minutes on both the power play and penalty kill in St.
Louis. His stat line tells the story of a well-rounded defenseman: 97 blocked shots, 44 hits, 19 takeaways, and a -3 plus-minus rating.
Not perfect, but definitely steady.
Dougie Hamilton may be the bigger name, but Faulk might be the better fit for what Detroit needs. He brings balance, experience, and a right-handed shot - a rare combination on the trade market this year.
1. Elias Pettersson, C, Vancouver Canucks
Let’s be clear: this would be a swing-for-the-fences move. But if the Red Wings want to not just make the playoffs but make noise once they get there, Elias Pettersson could be the kind of blockbuster addition that changes everything.
Yes, Pettersson’s had a rocky stretch. His production has dipped, and there’s been some off-ice drama in Vancouver, particularly with former teammate J.T.
Miller. But the talent is undeniable.
He’s a multi-time All-Star, and in 2022-23, he racked up 102 points - 39 goals and 63 assists. That’s franchise center-level production.
This season hasn’t been as kind - 34 points in 49 games - but sometimes a change of scenery is all a player needs. In Detroit, Pettersson would have more support around him and a fresh start with a team that’s hungry to win.
The contract is hefty - $11.6 million per year through 2031-32 - but that’s the price of elite talent in today’s NHL. For a team like Detroit, which has built up a strong core of young players and prospects, this could be the time to cash in some of that depth for a game-changer.
Vancouver, firmly in rebuild mode, might be willing to talk if the Red Wings put the right package together. It wouldn’t be cheap, and it wouldn’t be easy - but it could be worth it.
The Bottom Line
The Red Wings have been patient during their rebuild, but the time for patience may be over. With the playoff drought nearing a decade, Detroit is in position to make a real push - if they make the right moves.
Vincent Trocheck brings stability. Justin Faulk brings balance.
Elias Pettersson brings star power. Each of them addresses a different need, and each could help the Red Wings finally turn the corner.
Now it’s up to Yzerman to decide how bold he’s willing to be. The pieces are there.
The window is cracking open. It’s time to make a move.