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Analyzing Detroit’s Best Trade Options

Originally posted on Inside The Rink
By Alexander DeBerardinis | Last updated Dec 9, 2025 5:25 PM ET

With the most recent episode of the Kicking Tires podcast coming out, we had our first real talk about trade options. It’s something I’ve covered before, and generally, I still fall on the side of anyone who helps. However, of the big names, who would do the most for Detroit? A lot of these names are major. I’m not considering them easy to get or someone Detroit will get their hands on at all, but of the big names, this is who can do the most for Detroit. If you want to hear this conversation, please do click the little play button right underneath this line on this post.

https://feeds.transistor.fm/kicking-tires

Quinn Hughes: LD

I don’t think it’s a surprise because Hughes kind of saves any team that he is a part of. He is a game breaker on both ends of the ice. He plays nearly 28 minutes per game, which alone is pretty much game-breaking. He and Seider, together for almost half the game, would give Detroit’s bottom four such a reduced role that the weaknesses there would hardly be a problem. His future is uncertain, but if he still has ties to Michigan, he could be everything the Red Wings need to elevate this core to the next level.

2. Filip Forsberg: LW

Would it be weird to have a Forsberg in Detroit? Yeah probably. With some legit talent around him, Forsberg is one of the best wingers in the league. I understand that this is more of an extrapolation than Nashville is willing to sell everyone on, beyond an explicit statement. But either way, I’m sure he is at least being considered as a trade option, and he would give Detroit’s top six some all-NHL firepower with Larkin, Raymond, DeBrincat, and Forsberg. With all the depth forwards Detroit has in the AHL and in their prospect pool, solidifying the top six and letting the prospects fill in the rest is a key to contention for this Red Wings blueprint.

3. Jordan Kyrou: RW

Kyrou is having one of his worst years and this might be the perfect time to buy. With the Blues acting as sellers this season, or at the very least retooling, Kyrou is the best piece to poach. The biggest problem with him is an attitude problem, which I do believe the Todd McClellan can probably help negate. All in all, the case is similar to Forsberg, just to a lesser extent. But that also means to the cost to acquire is lower.

4. Jamie Oleksiak: LD, 24gp 2g 3a 5p

Oleksiak has been a name that is out there for a while. Given the cost to acquire, I think Oleksiak is a really good get for Detroit. He would work wonders in a bottom-four role on this team, and I think that is something Detroit has shown a need for this season. While I do wonder about Seattle’s Success limiting them from wanting to move anyone, if the time comes, I would be very interested in the huge body defenceman.

5. Robert Thomas: C

How serious are the Blues about moving off of players? They’ve been quick to throw Kyrou into the mix before, but is Thomas on the market this time? He’s as good an option as any for Detroit’s second line centre role of the future. He’s magic and would also give this team a cup window opening sooner than they imagined. It’s the same principle with any forward, if you can bring in a star, you have the depth pieces to finish up an elite forward group. Thomas could be that star, I just don’t think the Blues are ready to part ways with him yet.

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