After standing pat at last season’s trade deadline-and catching some heat for it, including from captain Dylan Larkin-Steve Yzerman looks ready to shift gears. The Detroit Red Wings’ general manager appears to be back in the mix as the 2026 NHL Trade Deadline approaches, and this time, he’s not just window shopping.
According to TSN’s Darren Dreger, Detroit is actively targeting two key pieces: a second-line center and a right-shot defenseman. But here’s the twist-Yzerman isn’t looking for rentals. He wants players with term, guys who won’t just help in a playoff push this spring, but who can be part of the Red Wings’ core beyond this season.
That’s a bold approach, and it’s going to cost more. Players with term are always pricier at the deadline, especially when they fill premium roles.
But Detroit might be in a position to pay up. The Red Wings are sitting on a healthy stockpile of draft picks, giving Yzerman some serious leverage in trade talks.
Aside from their 2026 fourth-rounder and a 2027 second-rounder, they’ve got all their picks for the next four years-and that flexibility could be key in getting deals done.
Let’s break down what this really means.
The Center Market: Term Comes at a Price
Finding a reliable second-line center who’s under contract is no easy task, especially at this point in the season. But there are names out there who fit the bill-if Yzerman is willing to pay the price.
Nazem Kadri, for instance, is locked in with Calgary at $7 million per year through 2028-29. He brings championship experience, sandpaper, and the kind of two-way game that could complement Detroit’s top six.
Vincent Trocheck is another intriguing option. He’s under contract with the Rangers through the 2028-29 season and plays with the kind of edge and versatility that playoff teams covet.
Then there’s Elias Pettersson. The Canucks are still rebuilding, and Pettersson’s $11.6 million cap hit through 2031-32 makes him a massive financial commitment.
But there’s no denying the talent-he’s a franchise-level player. It’s unlikely Vancouver moves him, but if they do, it won’t be cheap.
Right-Shot Defense: A Tougher Puzzle
Right-shot defensemen are always in demand, and the Red Wings are no exception. Yzerman’s looking for one with term, and there are a couple of names that check the boxes-though not without complications.
Dougie Hamilton fits the mold perfectly. He’s under contract with New Jersey through 2027-28 at a $9 million annual cap hit.
The challenge? He’s got a full no-trade clause, which gives him total control over where he lands.
Justin Faulk is another option. He’s signed through next season with St.
Louis at $6.5 million per year. He’s not as flashy as Hamilton, but he brings experience and stability to a blue line.
The Bigger Picture
This isn’t just about making the playoffs. Yzerman’s approach signals a longer-term vision.
By targeting players with term, he’s looking to build sustainable depth-something that’s been missing in Detroit’s recent playoff pushes. It’s a calculated move, one that suggests he believes this team is close enough to warrant investment, but not so close that a one-and-done rental makes sense.
The Red Wings have the assets to get creative. With a deep pool of draft picks and some intriguing young talent in the system, Yzerman has room to maneuver. The big question now is how aggressive he wants to be-and how much he’s willing to give up to get the right pieces.
Detroit fans have been patient through the rebuild. Now, with the team hovering around playoff contention and the deadline looming, it feels like the time to take a swing. If Yzerman can land the right center and a right-shot defenseman with term, this team could go from fringe playoff hopeful to legitimate postseason threat.
The "Yzer-plan" is in motion. Now it’s about execution.