The Detroit Red Wings are heading into the trade deadline with a clear identity: buyers with both the assets and cap space to make something happen. And not just minor tweaks - we’re talking about the kind of moves that can shift a playoff trajectory. With the deadline looming and the Olympic roster freeze just around the corner, Detroit sits in a prime position to make a splash.
While the Red Wings ultimately passed on Quinn Hughes due to a steep asking price, that doesn’t mean they’re done shopping. If anything, it signals that GM Steve Yzerman is being selective - calculated, even - about when and how to strike. And with names like Rasmus Andersson also floating around the rumor mill, the Red Wings are still very much in the mix for a major addition.
To swing a deal for a high-end veteran, though, you’ve got to pay the price - and in today’s NHL, that often means parting with top-tier prospects. That’s where Detroit’s depth becomes a real advantage. According to Corey Pronman of The Athletic, the Red Wings have two blue-chip young players who could headline a package for a difference-maker: Michael Brandsegg-Nygard and Nate Danielson.
Let’s start with Brandsegg-Nygard. The 20-year-old Norwegian winger brings a compelling mix of size, skill, and snarl.
At 6-foot-1 and 207 pounds, he’s built like a power forward and plays like one too. He’s got a heavy shot, solid offensive instincts, and the kind of edge that makes him a potential weapon on the power play.
That’s the kind of profile that gets GMs on the phone.
Now, it’s true that Brandsegg-Nygard hasn’t exactly lit up the NHL stat sheet - just one assist in nine games this season - but don’t let that fool you. He’s been quietly productive in Grand Rapids, putting up eight goals and 24 points in 34 AHL games.
For a player adjusting to the North American game in his first pro season, that’s a solid foundation. He’s not just a prospect with upside - he’s showing he can produce right now.
Then there’s Nate Danielson. The 2023 ninth overall pick is a different kind of asset - a responsible, two-way center with a mature game beyond his years.
Every NHL team wants a guy like this in their pipeline. While his offensive production has been up and down, the underlying tools are hard to ignore.
Danielson has played 28 games in the NHL this season, registering two goals and seven points. That earned him a stint back in the AHL, where he’s started to find his rhythm again with 10 points in 11 games.
Danielson’s value goes beyond the box score. He’s the type of player who can anchor a line, kill penalties, and play in all situations. That versatility makes him a coveted piece in any trade conversation - especially for a team looking to rebuild or retool with young talent.
Now, let’s be clear: Detroit isn’t eager to part with either of these players. Yzerman has built a deep, promising prospect pool for a reason - to sustain long-term success, not just chase a short-term run. But if the right opportunity presents itself, one that could push the Red Wings deeper into the postseason, it’s not out of the question that one of these names could be on the move.
The next 10 days are going to be telling. With the Olympic roster freeze approaching, teams will need to decide whether to make their moves now or wait until after the Games.
For Detroit, that could mean a window to strike while other clubs are still weighing their options. Or, it could mean waiting until post-Olympics when more sellers emerge and the market opens up.
Either way, the Red Wings are in a strong position. They’ve got the cap space, the prospect capital, and the motivation to upgrade. Whether it’s now or later, don’t be surprised if Detroit ends up in the middle of one of this deadline’s biggest moves.