The Detroit Red Wings, currently sitting 7th in the NHL standings and second in the Atlantic Division, may be active in the trade market as the 2025-26 season progresses. With a promising start to the season, General Manager Steve Yzerman may be looking to fine-tune the roster for a deeper playoff push.
Potential Trade Chips
Several players on the Red Wings roster could be on the move. According to Devin Little of The Hockey Writers, Jonatan Berggren is a prime candidate for a trade. Despite showing offensive flashes with four points in six games, Berggren has struggled to find a consistent role in Detroit. His inability to make a significant impact away from the puck or consistently produce in a limited role makes him a likely candidate for a change of scenery.
Veteran defenseman Erik Gustafsson is another potential trade piece. Currently playing for the Grand Rapids Griffins in the AHL, Gustafsson offers power-play expertise and offensive skills. However, with a $2 million cap hit and the emergence of younger defensemen like Axel Sandin Pellikka, the Red Wings might look to move him for a late-round draft pick.
Michael Rasmussen, a bottom-six forward with size and physicality, could also be attractive to other teams. His size and toughness are qualities that many NHL general managers covet, making him a valuable asset for teams seeking to bolster their depth.
Potential Trade Targets
As for potential acquisitions, Yegor Chinakhov of the Columbus Blue Jackets, Lian Bichsel of the Dallas Stars, and Alexis Lafrenière of the New York Rangers have been mentioned as intriguing options.
Chinakhov, a 24-year-old winger, has reportedly requested a trade from Columbus. He has shown offensive potential but has been limited by injuries. His ability to drive offense could complement Lucas Raymond and provide the secondary scoring the Red Wings need.
Bichsel, a 21-year-old Swiss defenseman, brings a physical presence that the Red Wings currently lack. With the Stars' left side of the defense seemingly set, Bichsel's ice time may be limited, making him a potential trade target.
Lafrenière, the first overall pick in the 2020 draft, has yet to reach his full potential with the Rangers. A change of scenery could unlock his offensive talent, and the Red Wings might be the team to provide that opportunity. Acquiring him would require a significant package of picks and prospects.
Strategic Considerations
While adding talent is always a priority, the Red Wings also need to create roster space and financial flexibility. This could involve making tough decisions and parting ways with players who are underperforming or redundant. Yzerman has shown a willingness to make such decisions in the past.
The Red Wings have a solid prospect pool and all of their future draft picks, giving them the assets to be active in the trade market. While a blockbuster trade is less likely before the new year, smaller moves to offload depth players for draft picks are a definite possibility. If the Red Wings maintain their early-season momentum, they could be in a position to make a significant addition to the roster as the trade deadline approaches.
