As this 2023-24 season winds down, the Detroit Red Wings lock to the playoffs for the first time in eight years.
One way to do that is to further strengthen the roster, which is what they could do on Friday, March 8th at the NHL trade deadline. They could also be sellers but would that benefit the organization as they push forward?
The Red Wings have prospects in the American Hockey League (AHL) with the Grand Rapids Griffins that may be ready as soon as next season. Defenseman Simon Edvinsson and forward Marco Kasper are making it hard for Detroit management to keep them in the AHL much longer.
Nonetheless, there is no space for them to grab a roster spot. This is where it would be beneficial for the Red Wings to be sellers and open up spots for their younger talent who seem to be ready.
The Detroit Red Wings are looking to make some moves ahead of the deadline
Detroit has many free agents that, if they do not plan on re-signing, could be sent packing. Red Wings' unrestricted free agents include David Perron, Patrick Kane, Daniel Sprong, Christian Fischer, Shayne Gostisbehere, and James Reimer.
Restricted free agents include Moritz Seider, Joe Veleno, and Lucas Raymond. These players could be packaged together with some draft picks for a bigger need at the deadline, which is a left-handed defenseman and a goaltender.
With only $3 million of projected cap space, General Manager Steve Yzerman will have to get creative, which he has done before.
He could also be out to just move players to open up some cap space. He may use some of those free agents to be a part of a multi-team trade to make the roster stronger than it is now. However, with Yzerman, nobody knows because he leaks nothing.
Defenseman Olli Maatta, Jeff Petry, and Justin Holl have been three rumored players who may be on their way out of Detroit and with a new team by next week. With many teams looking for defensemen, there is a strong possibility that one, or all, of these players could be moved, possibly to elevate Edvinsson to the main roster.
With plenty of players out there for the taking due to their contract status or lack of offensive production, Yzerman has a buffet of talent out there but has to be careful not to make a move unless it makes sense.
Some of the bigger names out there are forwards Jake Guentzel and Tyler Toffoli, defenseman Noah Hanifin and Nick Seeler, and goaltender Jacob Markstrom have all been mentioned in trade rumors.
Whether he decides to add to the roster or move out salary, Yzerman could be busy at the deadline, he wants to mold this team into contenders this season, and adding one, two, or three pieces could be the difference maker.
However, if all he does is move out salary to create cap space this would be a win for the organization. Look for him to be active, as plenty of teams are looking to make moves this week.