As the NHL trade deadline creeps closer, the Detroit Red Wings are emerging as one of the more intriguing teams to watch. Positioned in the thick of the playoff hunt, Detroit’s front office appears to be actively exploring ways to bolster the roster - and the names being floated suggest they’re thinking big, both literally and figuratively.
Logan Stanley (D, Winnipeg Jets)
The Red Wings have reportedly been in discussions with the Winnipeg Jets, with 6-foot-7 defenseman Logan Stanley at the center of those talks.
Stanley’s size alone makes him stand out, but it’s his physical presence and shutdown potential that seem to be drawing Detroit’s attention. The Red Wings have leaned into a more rugged defensive identity under head coach Derek Lalonde, and Stanley fits that mold to a tee.
He’s not going to light up the scoreboard, but he brings a punishing edge that could make Detroit’s blue line even tougher to navigate, especially in a playoff series.
Justin Faulk (D, St. Louis Blues)
Another name linked to Detroit is veteran right-shot defenseman Justin Faulk. At 33, Faulk brings a wealth of experience and a steady two-way game that could be a perfect complement to Ben Chiarot on the second pairing.
Faulk’s ability to log big minutes, contribute on the power play, and play a physical brand of hockey makes him a strong fit for a team looking to solidify its top-four. He’s not the flashiest option out there, but Faulk’s consistency and leadership could be exactly what this Red Wings squad needs down the stretch.
Nazem Kadri (C) and MacKenzie Weegar (D, Calgary Flames)
Perhaps the most ambitious scenario involves a potential blockbuster with the Calgary Flames.
According to reports, Detroit and Calgary have been engaged in talks centered around two high-impact players: center Nazem Kadri and defenseman MacKenzie Weegar. If this deal were to materialize, it would be a major swing by Detroit’s front office - and one that directly addresses two of the team’s most pressing needs.
Kadri would inject a dose of grit, experience, and scoring punch into the middle of the lineup. He’s the kind of playoff-tested center who thrives in high-pressure moments and brings a fiery edge that can galvanize a locker room.
Meanwhile, Weegar is a top-pair caliber defenseman who plays with pace and poise. He can eat minutes, drive play, and chip in offensively - all while maintaining strong defensive positioning.
Adding both Kadri and Weegar would be a seismic shift for this Red Wings roster, signaling that Detroit isn’t just aiming to sneak into the playoffs - they’re looking to make noise once they get there.
The Bigger Picture
What’s clear is that the Red Wings are in buying mode, and they’re targeting players who can make an immediate impact. Whether it’s adding size and snarl on the back end, veteran savvy on the blue line, or proven playoff performers up front, Detroit seems intent on building a team that’s not just competitive, but built for the grind of postseason hockey.
With the deadline approaching, keep an eye on how these talks evolve. The Red Wings are no longer just a rebuilding story - they’re a team on the rise, and the next move could be the one that defines their season.