Detroit Red Wings
Red Wings Are Quietly Poised to Add Defense at the Deadline
The Detroit Red Wings may finally be buyers at the NHL trade deadline. Here’s why adding a defensive upgrade could be their smartest move.
As the Detroit Red Wings push toward legitimate playoff contention, the conversation around the NHL trade deadline is starting to shift. For the first time in years, Steve Yzerman’s club is trending toward being a buyer — and the blue line is the obvious place to start.
According to Tony Wolak of The Hockey Writers, the focus is less on splashy names and more on realistic fits. Detroit doesn’t necessarily need a top-pair defenseman. What they need is reliability: a steady, stay-at-home option who can handle third-pair minutes, kill penalties, and step up if injuries strike.
Who Might the Red Wings Target?
Several underrated rental options could make sense, writes Wolak. Among the names he mentioned were Brett Kulak, Luke Schenn, Jamie Oleksiak and Carson Soucy.
Kulak brings Stanley Cup Final experience with the Edmonton Oilers, smooth skating, and strong defensive metrics. He’s never been seen as a top-four guy, but he did play top-four minutes on a Stanley Cup Final team when some big names went down with injuries.
Luke Schenn offers physicality, penalty killing, and a playoff résumé that includes two championships. The Winnipeg Jets are the surprise of the season, and not for good reasons. They have been far worse than last season’s Presidents’ Trophy winners, and that could mean assets start going out the door.
As the Seattle Kraken potentially look to sell off pieces, Jamie Oleksiak’s size and willingness to engage could help limit high-danger chances.
The Rangers have told their fans that players will be leaving. Carson Soucy profiles as a dependable, low-risk defender with solid zone-denial numbers. At $3.25 million, he’s a bit pricey, but he’s a pending UFA, so as a rental option, he could make sense.
The cost for these types of players is manageable. Recent deadline deals suggest a third-round pick is often enough to land a depth defenseman. With the Red Wings sitting on the playoff bubble, standing pat may no longer be an option. If Detroit wants meaningful games in April, addressing the blue line before the deadline feels inevitable.
They just need to make a move. The Red Wings have been linked to several of the trades that were made in the NHL recently, but Yzerman pulled out of every deal he had kicked tires on.
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