There are upgrades to be had around the NHL right now. There’s more liquidity in the salary cap. There are some useful players available to proactive teams. Will the Detroit Red Wings be one of those clubs?
The Rebuild Needs Help
For the sixth time, Steve Yzerman will head to the draft as Detroit’s General Manager. This is Yzerman’s most important summer in Detroit yet. The rebuild seems to be at an important crossroad. This may be the year to turn picks and assets into NHL ready players.
A look at the past two drafts brings some unpleasant reality to light. No Player from either 2023 or 2024 has played in the NHL yet. Only one (Marco Kasper) has played from 2022. In total 10 players since 2019 have seen NHL time. Only six of those have played more than two games.
An argument can be made that Axel Sandin-Pellikka could have played minutes this past season. Without a guaranteed spot in Detroit, the 2023 first round pick decided to play one more season in Sweden.
Defensive help is available for the Red Wings (and rivals)
The trade market for defensive upgrades continues to add surprising names. Noah Dobson is the latest addition available for the right price. Detroit is now faced with a dilemma. Continue building the current model, or trade away a valuable player.
Noah Dobson and Bowen Byram could both stabilize the blue line. However, neither player will come cheaply. Both of the respective clubs are asking for an NHL player as part of the return. The return has to be worthwhile.
This would likely mean giving up one of the top six forwards. Dylan Larkin, Lucas Raymond, Marco Kasper or Alex Debrincat. All four of those players made a significant impact for Detroit. Losing any of them could cause a step backward in the chase for postseason play.
Dylan Larkin or Alex Debrincat
Both Alex Debrincat and Dylan Larkin eclipsed 30 goals last year. They are also a big part of the team being able to move forward. Even if discussions were to progress, Larkin and Debrincat have trade protection.
These two names, however, would likely move the needle in discussions. The appetite to move Larkin at Center is likely very low. Unless last year’s exit interviews are indicator of irreparable damage, the team can’t afford to lose at center.
That brings the focus onto Debrincat. Lucas Raymond is likely not going anywhere. Newly signed to a max term deal, Raymond is one of the faces of this rebuild. Alex Debrincat has two years left and an offensive knack that any team would crave.
Debrincat was part of Detroit’s best line at the end of the season. Linemates Patrick Kane and Marco Kasper brought speed and competitiveness all over the ice. It would be painful to lose that line. However, it may be a necessary evil.
The Painful Choice
Detroit has to improve defensively. An historically bad penalty kill negated one of the league’s best power plays. The goals against were, again, overwhelming. Without an elite goalie, team defense has to fill the gap.
Patrick Kane is in the twilight of his career. He continues to defy time with his incredible work ethic and elite skillset. Alex Debrincat will need a new contract after 2027. The timer seems to be set on that line’s long term viability.
A great loss at wing, ultimately, may be more easily dealt with than a loss at center. Alex Debrincat may be the one true option Detroit has to obtain a high level defenseman. Apart from the difficult choice to move Debrincat, the players has a 16 team no trade protection. He has to give the “OK” before anything is done.
The likely result
Going through this exercise results in one daunting conclusion. The Red Wings just may not have the ability to obtain a franchise changing defenseman right now. They will have to set their sights on a more reasonable target.Â
Whatever the result, the Red Wings need to bring in outside help. If the team fails to make a sizable gain on defense, the post season is likely not a realistic goal this year.Â
As the draft approaches, Steve Yzerman is likely working around the clock. With everything seemingly on the line, this is the year to take a big swing. The result of that effort will likely decide what the office looks like at the 2026 Draft.
