Red Wings’ Offense Running on Fumes, and the Deadline Clock Is Ticking
Artemi Panarin wasn’t coming to Detroit. That much we know.
Whether the Red Wings were just window shopping or seriously in the mix doesn’t really matter-Panarin had the final say thanks to his no-trade clause, and he chose Los Angeles. But his move west is a reminder of something that’s been bubbling under the surface in Detroit all season: this team needs more offensive firepower.
And not just on the blue line.
Yes, a top-four defenseman remains a priority, but if the Red Wings want to be more than just a bubble team, they’re going to need another scorer-someone who can tilt the ice at even strength and take pressure off the power play. Because right now, the offense is sputtering.
The Numbers Don’t Lie
Let’s start with the basics: Detroit is averaging 2.97 goals per game, which puts them 20th in the NHL. That’s not disastrous, but it’s not good enough for a team hoping to make real noise in the postseason.
Dig a little deeper, though, and the picture gets murkier. The Red Wings rank 27th in five-on-five goals, with just 99 in 58 games.
That’s a shade under 1.7 even-strength goals per game.
To put it plainly: you’re not winning many games like that-at least not consistently.
What’s kept them afloat? Two things: a top-tier power play and some stellar goaltending from John Gibson.
But with the man advantage cooling off-just 2-for-23 (8.6%) heading into the Olympic break-the cracks are starting to show. Detroit managed just seven goals over its final five games before the break and dropped four of them, including a 4-1 loss to Utah that underscored how thin the margin for error has become.
Time to Add a Weapon
Even with Alex DeBrincat doing his part-he’s hit the 30-goal mark again-this team needs help. Whether it’s a top-six winger or a third-line scorer who can drive play and chip in regularly, Detroit needs another offensive weapon to stay in the playoff hunt. The current formula-lean heavily on the power play and hope Gibson stands on his head-isn’t sustainable.
And speaking of DeBrincat, while he’s leading the team in goals, he’s also leading the entire league in missed shots. That’s a volume shooter doing everything he can, but it also speaks to the lack of finishing depth around him.
Around the Winged Wheel
A few other Red Wings notes heading into the break:
- Olli Maatta hasn’t exactly found a warm welcome in Utah the way he did in Detroit. His role has diminished, and it’s clear the fit just isn’t the same.
- James Morrison, a former puck-moving defenseman who once paired with Red Kelly, passed away at 94.
A nod to the past and a reminder of the legacy that still echoes through the halls of this franchise.
- Riley Barber, who had a brief stint with the Red Wings in 2021-22, is lighting it up in Germany. He’s second in the DEL scoring race with 27 goals and 29 assists in 44 games. Former Red Wings Taro Hirose and Austin Czarnik are also thriving overseas-Hirose is seventh in DEL scoring, while Czarnik holds the same spot in the Swiss League.
The Bottom Line
The trade deadline is approaching, and Detroit’s front office has a decision to make. The defense needs help, no doubt.
But if this team is serious about making the postseason-and doing more than just showing up-they’ll need to bring in someone who can help them score at even strength. Because right now, the offense isn’t just inconsistent.
It’s dangerously close to becoming a liability.