2026 NHL Trade Deadline Primer: Detroit Red Wings

The Detroit Red Wings’ 2026 NHL Trade Deadline will be a unique one in the Steve Yzerman era. The Wings have been battling near the bottom of the Atlantic Division, with the former captain attempting to return them to prominence through drafting and development. The process has been successful: Detroit is now one of the best young teams in the league and has a loaded prospect pool to draw from.

Red Wings’ Status at the Trade Deadline: Buyers

Yzerman is notorious, and sometimes infamous, for being a patient general manager. The Red Wings are in a position to be buyers at this year’s trade deadline, but the question is whether he is ready to finally commit to contending. There’s no reason why they shouldn’t be ready, as Detroit currently sits in a tie with the Montreal Canadiens for the second-highest point total (72) in the Atlantic Division.

The Red Wings are technically in third because they have one more game played than the Canadiens. They are the only team in the division with 58 games played, and are one of only three teams with a negative goal differential. Despite being third, the Buffalo Sabres, Boston Bruins, and Ottawa Senators are all behind Detroit with a better goal differential.

If one thing is going to give Yzerman pause about being a buyer, it’ll be that, as goal differential and points percentage are two numbers that sometimes paint a clearer picture of a team’s outlook.

Red Wings’ Salary Cap Space

The Red Wings have plenty of space to add support for their roster, sitting in one of the best salary cap situations with a little under $13 million to spend. They also have the freedom to spend knowing that Simon Edvinsson is the only pending free agent due for a big extension. With the salary cap rising over the next few seasons, Detroit has no worries about spending.

Red Wings’ Trade Chips

The Red Wings have plenty of assets to become buyers at this year’s trade deadline while not sacrificing the future.

Detroit’s 2026 and 2027 first-round draft picks are still in play after Yzerman opted to keep his draft pick cupboard stocked over the past few seasons. With a deep prospect pool and an already young roster, any player that the Red Wings would get in the late-first round over the next couple of seasons wouldn’t likely make a massive difference to their organization.

Carter Bear is the type of player who would have to go the other way if acquiring an elite player like Robert Thomas. Bear was the 13th overall pick in last year’s draft, but is having a bit of an off year in the WHL, as he’s on pace to have fewer points than last season. The prospect has strong offensive upside, but his relentless all-around work ethic is his greatest strength.

The Red Wings have three goaltenders in the minors below the age of 25 who have been stellar with the Grand Rapids Griffins. Carter Gylander, Michal Postava, and Sebastian Cossa all have save percentages above .928 and goals-against averages below 2. They can’t all graduate to the NHL ranks, and there are rebuilding teams around the league who would value a young goalie.

What Are They Buying?

Detroit won’t likely go far in the Atlantic Division with Andrew Copp as their second-line center. Adding another piece to the top six to supplement Dylan Larkin and push Copp down into a more familiar role will go a long way to helping their playoff outlook.