Detroit Hockey Now’s Kevin Allen discusses the Red Wings’ need to add an impact defenseman via the trade route over the course of a subscriber-only article this evening.
Allen suggests that we should see a significant amount of turnover on the Wings’ blueline as prospects graduate from the Griffins and European hockey within the next 12-14 months, but Allen also believes that Detroit needs to add a veteran blueliner to what he feels is a thin blueline over the course of the upcoming 2025-2026 season, if not next summer:
The Red Wings will have to re-sign [Simon] Edvinsson to a bridge deal or a long-term contract. But even if the Red Wings elect to go long-term with Edvinsson, they could be looking at having $66 million committed to 14 players. With the salary cap ceiling anticipated at $104 million next season, the Red Wings would have roughly $38 million to complete their roster.
If they keep eight defensemen in 2026-27, the Red Wings will need to add four defensemen. [Jacob] Maybe Bernard-Docker or [Ben] Chiarot stays, but the Red Wings have left-shot William Wallinder, 23, Shai Buium, 22, and Anton Johansson, 21, waiting in line. And maybe Antti Tuomisto, [24], if his skating improves. At least two of those players should land in Detroit full-time by next season, and you may not want any more than two.
The Red Wings probably wouldn’t want to add a third young defensemen. Experience matters greatly on the blue line. The best use for some of that cap space would be to acquire a proven veteran to play in the top four.
Next summer’s free agent pool is weak on defense. Some desirable players are at forward. Undoubtedly, Detroit would be interested in Michigan native Kyle Connor if he is available. Forwards Adrian Kempe and Martin Necas are intriguing. Goalie Erik Gustafsson will also be available.
The Red Wings will have to pull off a significant trade to add a proven defensemen that fits into their defensive corps. But they will have assets (draft picks, prospects and cap space) to make such a move.
Continued (paywall) with suggestions as to which defensemen the Wings could consider acquiring…
There’s no doubt this is the team’s top need — with an offensively skilled power-forward type not far behind — and it will have to happen via trade, almost certainly.