Red Wings to Get Aggressive in Trade Market, With Serious Pitch for Star Center

According to Ansar Khan of MLive, the Detroit Red Wings understand that they need to make improvements this summer after another disappointing season. In the mix until the final weeks, the wheels fell off in Detroit, and the Red Wings are out of the playoffs. That means changes, and Khan believes it means additions.

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He writes:

“The Red Wings have good forwards in Dylan Larkin, Lucas Raymond, and Alex DeBrincat, but lack an elite-level scorer. They’re obviously difficult to acquire, especially in a free-agent market that continues to weaken by the year. They’ll need to be aggressive in the trade market this offseason, perhaps making a serious pitch for the likes of someone like Robert Thomas (St. Louis) or Elias Pettersson (Vancouver).”

He adds that, “if Toronto looks to move superstar Auston Matthews, the Red Wings should be all-in, though it seems doubtful the Maple Leafs would trade him within the division.”

Robert Thomas

Thomas, an 80-plus-point playmaker, has long been linked to Detroit. He was discussed heavily at this season’s NHL trade deadline, but the Blues chose not to pull the trigger on a trade. Given the two team’s history of trades, St. Louis could revisit trade discussions after missing the playoffs. With Alex Steen taking over as GM, roster changes are expected, and Thomas would command a significant return if made available.

Elias Pettersson

Pettersson’s production has dipped after previously anchoring a 100-point pace. While Vancouver held onto him at the trade deadline, summer flexibility could open the door to a move. Detroit’s history of developing Swedish players, combined with Pettersson’s high-end skill set, makes him an intriguing—if costly—option for the Red Wings’ search for top-six center help.

What Might Be Plan B for the Red Wings?

If the Red Wings miss out on landing a top-line center in the trade market this summer, their backup plan will likely focus on upgrading down the middle, with an emphasis on depth options. Andrew Copp helped solidify the second-line role alongside Alex DeBrincat and Patrick Kane, but he’s not viewed as a long-term solution, nor is J.T. Compher.

Failing a major addition, Detroit would instead need to upgrade its bottom six, where production has lagged. With veterans like Compher and Rasmussen difficult to move, improvement may come from younger players such as Nate Danielson, Michael Brandsegg-Nygard, and Carter Mazur, or bargain additions through free agency.

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