The Detroit Red Wings are back in the playoff hunt, and they’re not just dipping a toe in - they’re pushing chips to the middle of the table. With the March 6 trade deadline looming, Detroit is reportedly in the market for two key additions: a second-line center and a right-handed defenseman.
But here’s the kicker - they’re not looking for short-term rentals. They want players with term, pieces that can help now and still be around when this team’s window fully opens.
It’s a strategic move from a franchise that’s spent nearly a decade on the outside looking in when it comes to the postseason. But things are different this year.
The Red Wings currently sit second in the Atlantic Division with a 32-16-5 record, and they’ve been red-hot lately - 8-1-1 in their last 10 games. This isn’t a team just trying to sneak into the playoffs; they’re positioning themselves to make some noise once they get there.
Up front, Detroit’s center depth has held strong with Dylan Larkin leading the way, followed by Andrew Copp, J.T. Compher, and Michael Rasmussen. It’s a solid group, but adding another impact center - particularly one who can slot in on the second line - would give this team a serious boost down the stretch and into the postseason grind.
Names like Nazem Kadri and Vincent Trocheck fit the bill. Both are experienced, competitive, and under contract beyond this season. They bring a mix of scoring touch, playoff experience, and edge - the kind of players who can elevate a team in the spring.
On the blue line, the Red Wings already have a strong right-handed core with Moritz Seider leading the charge, alongside Axel Sandin-Pellikka, Jacob Bernard-Docker, and Travis Hamonic. But adding a veteran presence like Dougie Hamilton or Justin Faulk - both right-shot defensemen with term - could solidify the group and give Detroit more flexibility and firepower, especially on special teams.
It’s worth noting that Detroit has the draft capital to make a deal happen. They hold a pick in every round of the upcoming drafts, except for the 2027 second-rounder they sent to Anaheim in the John Gibson trade. That gives them options, whether they want to swing big or make a couple of calculated, mid-tier moves.
This is a team that’s clearly ahead of schedule in its rebuild. The pieces are coming together - the young talent is blossoming, the veterans are producing, and the results are finally showing up in the standings. Now, the front office is looking to supplement that progress with players who can help sustain success beyond just one playoff run.
The message is clear: the Red Wings aren’t just trying to end a nine-year playoff drought - they’re building something that can last.