The Detroit Red Wings are officially back in the mix-and not just as a feel-good story. With the season pushing into the second half, Detroit sits second in the Atlantic Division, just a single point behind the Tampa Bay Lightning.
That’s not a fluke. This group is skating with purpose, and for the first time in over a decade, the Red Wings are a legitimate threat to bring home a division title.
But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. As promising as things look, there are still some cracks in the armor-especially if this team wants to make a deep postseason run. Two areas in particular stand out: the blueline and forward depth.
Let’s start with the defense. Even before Simon Edvinsson went down with an injury that will keep him out through the Olympic break, Detroit’s need for a top-four defenseman was clear.
Now, it’s urgent. The Wings have held their own defensively thanks to solid goaltending and team structure, but if they want to survive the grind of playoff hockey, they’ll need more stability and experience on the back end.
Offensively, the top-end talent is there, but the depth remains a concern. Over the past month, Detroit’s offensive metrics have dipped, and the secondary scoring has been inconsistent. Marco Kasper has shown flashes-he’s starting to find his rhythm-but the Wings could use another forward who can drive play and chip in reliably down the stretch.
The good news? Detroit has options.
With plenty of cap space, a deep prospect pool, and a strong stockpile of draft picks, they’re in a position to be aggressive. And if they’re serious about making noise this spring, there’s one potential trade target that could change the game: Robert Thomas of the St.
Louis Blues.
Here’s the framework of a deal that could make that happen:
Detroit receives:
- F Robert Thomas
St. Louis receives:
- F Michael Brandsegg-Nygard
- 2026 first-round pick
- Conditional 2027 second-round pick (becomes a first if the Wings reach the Eastern Conference Final in 2026 or 2027)
- D William Wallinder
At first glance, that’s a big price. But take a closer look, and it starts to make a lot of sense for Detroit.
The Red Wings already boast a strong top six. Alex DeBrincat is on pace for his third 40-goal season.
Dylan Larkin is heating up again after a midseason slump. Patrick Kane continues to defy expectations with his production, and Lucas Raymond is blossoming into one of the league’s premier young forwards.
But there’s one piece missing: a true second-line center. Detroit had hoped Kasper would seize that role, and long-term, he still might. But right now, in a season where the window is starting to crack open, the Wings need someone who can deliver in the moment.
Enter Robert Thomas.
Yes, his numbers are down a bit this year. But let’s not forget what he’s done over the last four seasons-60-plus points every year, including back-to-back 80-point campaigns.
He’s a smart, creative playmaker who can thrive in a fast-paced system. And he’s only 26 years old, locked in long-term on a team-friendly cap hit.
That kind of player doesn’t hit the market often.
For Detroit, Thomas would bring stability, production, and the kind of playoff-ready skill set that could elevate the entire lineup. He’d also take pressure off Larkin, allowing the Wings to roll two legitimate scoring lines-something they haven’t had in years.
From St. Louis’ perspective, it’s a tough pill to swallow.
Thomas has been a core piece of their forward group, and moving him would signal a clear shift toward a retool. But given where the Blues sit-near the bottom of the standings-it might be time.
Last year, they pushed the Presidents’ Trophy-winning Jets to seven games in the first round. This season, things haven’t gone according to plan. A shakeup could be in order, and this deal would bring back real value.
Brandsegg-Nygard is a high-upside winger who could slot into their top six in the near future. Wallinder is a smooth-skating defenseman with top-four potential who may already be NHL-ready.
And depending on how far Detroit goes, St. Louis could walk away with two first-round picks.
Losing Thomas would hurt in the short term, no doubt. But this kind of return gives the Blues a chance to reset, add young talent, and create cap flexibility heading into the next phase of their rebuild.
The Red Wings, meanwhile, would be signaling that the time is now. They’ve spent years building this roster the right way-through the draft, smart trades, and patient development.
But windows don’t stay open forever. Adding a player like Thomas would be a bold move, but one that fits their trajectory perfectly.
Detroit has the pieces. They have the momentum. And if they’re willing to push their chips in, they might just have the firepower to make a real run this spring.