Red Wings Squeak Past Bruins, But Defensive Woes Continue to Loom Large
The Detroit Red Wings pulled out a nail-biter Tuesday night, edging the Boston Bruins 5-4 in a game that showcased their offensive firepower - and again exposed their biggest weakness: keeping the puck out of their own net.
Let’s call it what it is - this team is leaking goals at an alarming rate. Over their last 13 games, Detroit has allowed 50 goals, the most in the NHL during that stretch.
That’s not a blip. That’s a full-blown trend, and it’s threatening to undercut the momentum the Red Wings have built on the offensive end.
It’s not just about structure or effort - it’s about personnel. And that’s where things get tricky.
The Defensive Dilemma
Looking ahead to next summer, the free-agent market isn’t doing Detroit any favors. According to Elliotte Friedman on his 32 Thoughts podcast, the pool of available defensemen is thin - and aging. Names like Jacob Trouba, Ryan McDonagh, Jamie Oleksiak, Connor Murphy, Matt Dumba, and Carson Soucy are all expected to hit the market, but each of them will be 32 or older by the time July rolls around.
That’s not exactly the age profile you want to build around if you're trying to construct a long-term blue line core. As Friedman put it, some of these players can still help in the short term, but giving them term - multi-year deals - is a gamble, especially for a young team like Detroit that’s trying to build something sustainable.
And that’s the real challenge here. The Wings don’t just need a stopgap. They need a foundational piece on the back end - someone who can grow with their emerging core and anchor the defense for years to come.
The Premium on Young Defensemen
With the free-agent cupboard looking bare, the trade market becomes the more viable (and more expensive) option. Young, controllable defensemen are going to be at a premium this offseason, and the price tag will reflect that.
Detroit does have assets to work with - draft picks, prospects, and some cap flexibility - but they’ll need to be strategic. Restricted free agents like Simon Nemec (New Jersey), Jamie Drysdale (Philadelphia), and Philip Broberg (St. Louis) are intriguing targets, but acquiring any of them would likely require a sign-and-trade - a move that’s rare in the NHL and often complicated to pull off.
Still, given the lack of internal improvement on defense and the scarcity of quality options in free agency, it’s a path the Red Wings can’t afford to ignore.
Quinn Hughes Speculation Still Simmering
One name that continues to swirl around Detroit is Quinn Hughes. The Vancouver Canucks’ star defenseman has been loosely linked to the Red Wings in recent months, with NHL insider Jeff Marek suggesting Detroit makes sense as a potential landing spot due to Hughes’ ties to the area.
Now, let’s be clear: there’s no indication Vancouver is actively shopping Hughes. But in a league where elite defensemen rarely become available, even the faintest hint of availability is enough to get GMs picking up the phone.
For Detroit, Hughes would be a dream fit - a dynamic, puck-moving blueliner who could quarterback the power play and instantly elevate the entire defensive unit. But prying him loose would require a massive offer, and it’s unclear whether the Red Wings are willing (or able) to pay that price.
Cap Considerations and Internal Planning
Another wrinkle in Detroit’s plans: Simon Edvinsson. The 22-year-old defenseman is set to become a restricted free agent this offseason, and he’s due for a new deal. That means GM Steve Yzerman will need to keep some cap space available, especially if Edvinsson continues to show signs of becoming a top-four mainstay.
It’s a delicate balance. The Red Wings want to be aggressive in upgrading their defense, but they also need to be smart - making sure they don’t block the path of their own young talent or overcommit to aging veterans.
The Path Forward
Detroit’s in a fascinating spot. The offense is clicking, the young core is starting to arrive, and the team looks like it’s ready to make a real push toward contention. But the defense is still a glaring hole - and if they don’t address it soon, it could be the thing that holds them back.
Whether it’s through a trade for a young RFA, a bold swing at a player like Quinn Hughes, or a more conservative play in free agency, the Red Wings have to find a way to shore up their blue line. Because if they don’t, no amount of goals will be enough to carry them where they want to go.