Red Wings’ Hidden Gem Trade Target for 2026

Historically, his defensive metrics have been outstanding, though they took a bit of a dive last season. That shouldn’t be cause for concern, though, especially when you consider the relative strength of the Flames. 

A noteworthy aspect of Frost’s 2025-26 season was his performance following the trade deadline. He stepped into a larger role with Nazem Kadri no longer in Calgary and took his game to a new level. 

“I think it always starts with the centerman, always, so I think Morgan’s playing the game faster and more consistently,” noted Flames coach Ryan Huska of Frost’s improved play down the stretch. “With that, I think he’s dragging along his linemates.

“The centerman is the guy who has to make sure he dictates the way the line’s going to play and I think Morgan’s done a better job being consistent over the last little while, playing with pace and making smarter decisions with the puck.”

Frost finished the campaign with nine goals and 14 points in the 21 games after the deadline, and also topped all Flames players when it came to possession metrics. While circumstances were different, it’s hard to ignore the fact that Frost elevated his game at a time when the Red Wings faltered offensively. 

Between the skill, creativity, vision, and two-way play, Frost is the kind of player the Red Wings need in their lineup. He’d be an upgrade over Andrew Copp in the 2C role and fits nicely into Detroit’s contention window. 

Potential Red Wings Trade for Frost

As with all trades, the cost depends not just on the two teams involved, but on the market as a whole – other teams showing interest in the player and similar players moved in the past. 

Montreal’s acquisition of Phillip Danault is the most recent comparable. The center is signed through the 2026-27 season and was acquired for a second-round pick. That’s roughly the value Detroit would need to give up for Frost – maybe a bit more since Frost is younger. 

With that in mind, I reached out to a few of my colleagues at The Hockey Writers to work out a trade. Here’s where we landed:

• To Detroit: C Morgan Frost
• To Calgary: C Amadeus Lombardi, 2028 second-round pick

Detroit gets their guy, and Calgary receives a young, NHL-ready prospect plus a future second rounder to spread out their draft picks. Carter Mazur and Michal Postava were other prospects discussed before the Lombardi piece of the trade was finalized. 

In the end, the Red Wings get a player who: 1) bolsters their five-on-five scoring, 2) adds more offense from the center position, and 3) makes the team harder to play against. It’s a fair deal, and one that will look even better after Frost is signed to a contract extension that covers the remainder of his peak years.