Sports

Detroit Red Wings: Trade Deadline Needs & Playoff Hunt

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NHL: Montreal Canadiens at Detroit Red Wings

The Detroit Red Wings have been one of the most successful franchises in NHL history.

They have won 11 Stanley Cups, the third most of any NHL franchise, and most by any American NHL team.

Only the Montreal Canadiens (23) and Toronto Maple Leafs (13) have won more Stanley Cups than the Detroit Red Wings.

Despite their success, the Red Wings have struggled in recent years. They have not been to the playoffs since 2016.

The Red Wings were close last year but just missed the postseason, which led to higher expectations this year.

On December 26, 2024, the Detroit Red Wings fired head coach Derek Lalonde and named Todd McLellan, as his replacement. Since McLellan took over, the Red Wings have been playing significantly better.

Below, we discuss moves the Detroit Red Wings should make before the trade deadline and whether they can end their playoff drought.

Moves Detroit Red Wings Need Before Trade Deadline

The Red Wings have won seven straight games and have climbed their way into a wild-card spot.

Still, despite their recent hot streak, the team needs to add players before the trade deadline to ensure it ends its playoff drought and makes the playoffs.

Below are some moves they need to make:

  • Add a defencemen- lacking a good defense
  • Add another scorer- Getting a first or second-line player will further help their chances
  • Be certain their playoff netminder is on the team, otherwise search for a goaltender

Add Defencemen

The Detroit Red Wings rank 25th in shots allowed per game. They need to add a defencemen that can help Moritz Seider. They lack good defense and allow a ton of shots on the net, which is also hurting their netminders. Getting a defensive-savvy defenceman is more important than adding an offensive defenceman.

Add A Goalscorer

Detroit has improved its offense recently, but it still only ranks 19th in goals per game. Last year, Detroit was in the top 10. Lucas Raymond, Dylan Larkin, Alex DeBrincat, and Patrick Kane are solid, but the team needs to add another offensive player. It does not have to be a major name, but getting an offensive player who can score will boost this offense. After ranking in the top 10 in goals per game last season, the offense has not been as consistent this year.

Be Certain If Goaltenders On Team Are Who They Want For Postseason Push

Finally, the final move the Detroit Red Wings need to look at is whether Cam Talbot and Alex Lyon are the netminders they want to try and make the playoffs and if they get in are their postseason goaltenders. Lyon has been solid but started in just 18 games and does not have a good defense in front of him. He has a 2.58 GAA and .908 SV%. Cam Talbot has started in 28 games and has a 2.83 GAA and .907 SV%. This is why adding defencemen is critical for the Red Wings. Talbot is a veteran and can be trusted in the playoffs but he has been shaky this year and Detroit needs to reduce the number of shots their goalies face.

Will The Red Wings Make The Playoffs For The First Time Since 2016?

The Detroit Red Wings have been red hot recently and have climbed the standings. They are currently in a wild-card spot.

Fans of the Red Wings are hoping they can make the playoffs this season and end their playoff drought.

If Detroit can add some players at the trade deadline, this will boost their chances of making the postseason.

Improving their defense needs to be a top priority before the trade deadline passes.

The Detroit Red Wings will finally end their playoff drought and make the playoffs.

Adding a defenceman and offensive player will improve their chances of making some noise in the postseason.