Red Wings Have 2 Clear Trade Needs to Address

Originally posted on NHL Trade Talk | By Michael DeRosa | Last updated Feb 17, 2026 8:47 PM ET

The Detroit Red Wings have undoubtedly taken a big step in the right direction this season. They currently have a 33-19-6 record and are third in the Atlantic Division standings with 72 points. With this, the Red Wings have a good chance of breaking their nine-year playoff drought this season.

Yet, while the Red Wings have shown clear signs of improvement this season, they would be wise to add to their roster ahead of the deadline. There are certain parts of their roster that could use a boost, and the Red Wings are in a position to address them. This is because they have just under $60 million of deadline cap space.

Due to this, let’s look at two specific trade needs that the Red Wings should be aiming to address ahead of the deadline.

Red Wings’ No. 1 Trade Need: Second-Line Center

Andrew Copp has had a solid 2025-26 season, but the Red Wings would still be wise to upgrade their second-line center spot. Adding a legitimate top-six center to play with skilled wingers Alex DeBrincat and Patrick would undoubtedly make the Red Wings a more significant threat in the Eastern Conference.

The Red Wings certainly have some interesting options to consider on the trade market, too. A few center trade candidates who could be excellent additions for the Red Wings’ 2C spot include Robert Thomas, Vincent Trocheck, and Nazem Kadri.

Red Wings’ No. 2 Trade Need: Another Right-Shot Defenseman

The Red Wings should also be looking to improve the right side of their blueline ahead of the deadline. Axel Sandin-Pellikka has a ton of potential and has shown promise this season, but could benefit from a lesser role. As a result, the Red Wings should try to add a true top-four right-shot defenseman for their second pairing.

St. Louis Blues defenseman Justin Faulk is the top defenseman in the trade market right now, and he would be a great fit for the Red Wings. However, other blueliners like Braden Schneider, Zach Whitecloud, and Connor Murphy also stand out as possible options for Detroit.

NEXT: 3 Right-Shot Defensemen the Oilers Could Target in a Trade

This article first appeared on NHL Trade Talk and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: