Which Detroit Red Wings Could Be Traded at the Trade Deadline?

For the first time in years, The Detroit Red Wings have options at forward and defense. With the NHL trade deadline not far away, there may be more than a few players on the roster who could be had for the right price. Many factors play into this list: contract, performance, offensive production, and return.

Which Detroit Red Wings could be traded, and who could stay?

Performance is one thing this year, but the Detroit Red Wings have several players that will be UFA’s next season. Some could fetch a nice return, and others could see a decent prospect only in return. Regardless, general manager Steve Yzerman has a busy few weeks ahead of him, and these decisions could push the Detroit Red Wings further in the right direction or put them farther back in their rebuild.

The forwards in line for UFA status are Dylan Larkin, Tyler Bertuzzi, Pius Suter, Oskar Sundqvist, and Adam Erne. Defensemen include Olli Maatta, Jordan Osesterle, Jake Walman, Robert Hagg, Mark Pysyk, and goaltender Alex Nedeljkovic.

I fully expect Larkin, Erne, Maatta, and Walman to stay with the Detroit Red Wings. Larkin is the captain and the best offensive player the Red Wings have. Erne, Maatta, and Walman will not produce elite offensive numbers, but they each have a role that they play extremely well and will not cost much to retain.

As far as the others go, I could see a couple of them being packaged together in a trade for draft picks and/or prospects.  One way or another, Yzerman will make some moves for the better of the organization. He will be active on trade deadline day, but it depends on how active he is and if the Red Wings are out of a playoff spot or not.

Whatever Yzerman decides to do or not do will affect this team one way or another, this year or next. One has to wonder if he already has a plan before a single move is made. The 2023-24 Detroit Red Wings are likely to look quite different than the version currently on the ice. Will we see Larkin, Bertuzzi, and Walman in Detroit Red Wings jerseys next season? From the trade deadline until the season opener, next season will be big in terms of the direction of this team and where they are headed.

Yzerman has to be smart with the moves he makes or does not make. Give up too much and you risk the future of the team. Bring back too few UFA’s and the team may suffer a setback. The main focus of this offseason will be to get a deal with Larkin done as soon as possible. On the other hand, if Larkin walks Yzerman needs an immediate, impactful replacement.