Bleacher Report’s Adam Gretz discusses each and every NHL team’s “biggest trade chip” ahead of the 2025 trade deadline, and while he believes that the Wings might move Vladimir Tarasenko, he also feels that Detroit might stand pat:
Detroit Red Wings: Vladimir Tarasenko
It remains to be seen what, if anything, general manager Steve Yzerman does at the trade deadline.
The Red Wings have rapidly turned things around after replacing Derek Lalonde with Todd McLellan behind the bench. But is that a real turnaround or just a short-term burst after a coaching change?
If it is a real turnaround, they might be in a position to add something. But Yzerman does not seem happy to just make the playoffs and lose in the first round. He wants to build a consistent contender and may still be patient with his trade deadline approach.
If the Red Wings cool off and slow down, they could still become sellers. One player that should probably be at the top of that list is Tarasenko.
Things have not really worked out as planned for him in Detroit, and even though his numbers are down this season he is a small enough investment and has enough of a track record that there might still be a market for him.
If the buy, I can’t see the Red Wings dipping deep into their prospect pool.
I also can’t imagine selling off anybody major should they fall back out of the race.
Continued; I’m not expecting the Wings to “sell,” but Tarasenko is having a difficult time to be certain.
