Kirthmon F. Dozier / USA TODAY NETWORK

Red Wings’ Hot Start Could Push Yzerman to Be an Early Trade Buyer

Originally posted on NHL Trade Talk | Last updated Oct 20, 2025 12:26 AM ET

The Detroit Red Wings are quickly becoming one of the biggest surprises of the NHL season — and if their strong play continues, they could force general manager Steve Yzerman to accelerate his plans and enter the trade market sooner than expected.

After an opening-night loss to Montreal, the Red Wings have rattled off wins against Toronto (twice), Florida, Tampa Bay, and Edmonton — all legitimate playoff contenders. It’s still early, and things could go sideways in a hurry, but the team looks like it’s playing with purpose and could be a threat this season.

There’s been a prolonged wait amongst Detroit fans who have been hoping to see Yzerman reveal his plan to have this team become a contender. The GM started making moves this offseason and perhaps some of his decisions are starting to pay dividends.

The Red Wings added veteran netminder John Gibson over the summer to go with goaltender Cam Talbot. Together, they have been a solid duo, delivering the kind of performances that could solidify the team’s crease. Young talent is starting to show there’s something there. Emmett Finnie scored his first and second goals of the season against the Oilers on Sunday (also his first and second goals in the NHL. He is a seventh-round pick, and now he’s looking like he could be a big part of the Red Wings’ top six.

Moritz Seider is the driver on the blue line. But Axel Sandin Pellikka, Albert Johansson, and Jacob Bernard-Docker could turn into effective pieces. Not to mention, the Red Wings have some solid veterans in Dylan Larkin, Patrick Kane, Alex DeBrincat, and Lucas Raymond.

Could the Red Wings Add a Big Piece This Season?

And and off this summer there was talk that the Red Wings might have shown interest in defenseman Erik Karlsson. Karlsson has started the season well in Pittsburgh and the Penguins area likely open to moving him ahead of the trade deadline. The Red Wings have both the cap space and the potential fit to make a deal work. A one-two punch of Seider and Karlsson on the Red Wings’ right side could be a dangerous combination.

If they can keep up their momentum, don’t be shocked if the Red Wings become one of the first serious buyers ahead of the 2025 trade deadline.

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

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