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Artist rendering of what Petr Mrazek would look like in a Red Wings jersey. (Amy Irvin / The Hockey Writers)

Exploring the Red Wings’ Trades & 'Almost Trades' at the 2025 Deadline

Originally posted on The Hockey Writers | By Tony Wolak | Last updated Mar 10, 2025 8:35 AM ET

Despite pleas to buy at the 2025 NHL Trade Deadline, the Detroit Red Wings ended up only making two modest, mostly lateral moves.

Taking away the emotion of wanting the team to take a step forward and reach the playoffs, this was the right call. I previously stated that the Red Wings shouldn’t trade their top prospects or first- or second-round picks at the deadline. They did not. Any impact trade this year would have required that in what was largely a seller’s market.

So while the Red Wings didn’t participate in the Eastern Conference arms race, they were busy in the days leading up to the deadline. Here’s what went down and how it impacts the team moving forward.

Red Wings Trades That Materialized

Detroit’s first trade doesn’t require much analysis. They had cap space to spare. Other teams didn’t. Detroit stepped in and leveraged their cap space to get a fourth-round pick. You make that deal 10 out of 10 times.

The other move—trading Veleno for Mrazek and Smith—was strange initially, but, after taking a step back, it makes sense. Alex Lyon (3.35 GAA, .870 SV%) and Cam Talbot (3.80 GAA, .864 SV%) have struggled since the 4 Nations Face-Off break. Mrazek—while his stats behind an abysmal Blackhawks team aren’t especially impressive—provides another option in net as Detroit pushes for the playoffs.

Entering the offseason, the Red Wings will have both Talbot and Mrazek under contract, along with Sebastian Cossa, who—like any other Red Wings prospect—will need to earn a roster spot. nothing is given. And since Detroit has required three or more goalies to make starts every season since 2019-20, this added depth could prove crucial.

As for Veleno, his time in Detroit had run its course. He never developed beyond a fourth-line role, and by moving him, the Red Wings clear his cap hit and future contract obligations. While not flashy, this trade does improve Detroit’s flexibility both in the short term and heading into the offseason.

Red Wings Trade Talk That Didn’t Materialize

From everything I heard, Yzerman and the Red Wings were very active in the days leading up to the trade deadline.

According to a source, the Red Wings had deep conversations with the Boston Bruins about defenseman Brandon Carlo. Ultimately, the Bruins opted to hold out for a better deal, and got one from the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Brandon Carlo, Boston Bruins (Amy Irvin / The Hockey Writers)

While what was involved in Detroit’s offer is unclear, adding Carlo would have solidified Detroit’s defense now and moving in the future. The 28-year-old blueliner is signed for two more years at $4.1 million. Carlo could have played a shutdown role on Detroit’s second pair, freeing up Moritz Seider to play more minutes in the offensive zone. His contract also would have timed well with Axel Sandin Pellikka’s development, allowing Detroit’s top prospect to gradually take on more responsibility over the next two years.

Ultimately, Detroit got outbid. And now adding a top-four defenseman (or two) will be a top priority this offseason.

In addition, the Red Wings talked with the Edmonton Oilers about their salary cap crunch. This involved Detroit acquiring a player and his full salary, rather than brokering a trade between Edmonton and another team.

Detroit also attempted to find Vladimir Tarasenko a new home, but could not find a good enough offer to justify a move.

Final Word

In the end, Detroit got a fourth-round pick for cap space they were not going to use and completed what was essentially a change-of-scenery trade with Chicago. Even though they tried to add more, you can’t fault the organization for refusing to mortgage the future for rentals or paying well over value for non-rentals. The Red Wings just aren’t in a position for those kinds of deals to make sense. They’re still building, after all.