Could the Detroit Red Wings make a massive trade within the division?

The Detroit Red Wings have a surplus of left-handed defensemen they could part ways with. In exchange? Possibly a right-handed defenseman due to a possible shortage on that side. The right side comprises Moritz Seider, Jeff Petry, and Justin Holl.

With the uncertainty of Holl and Petry, could Detroit pull off a massive trade for Florida Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad?

Detroit inquired, and almost pulled off a trade, with the New York Rangers and defenseman Jacob Trouba.

Once that fell through, it was back to square one. The Red Wings are big game hunting for right-handed defensemen who can upgrade that side instantly. Could Ekblad be that player?

The Detroit Red Wings should consider Aaron Ekblad if he is available

There is no speculation that he is available but he will be an unrestricted free agent in 2025-26. The Panthers have a projected cap space of $766,666 and the cap hit for Ekblad is $7.5 million.

Florida also has other upcoming UFA's Sam Bennett, Carter Verhaeghe, Tomas Nosek, and Nate Schmidt) and upcoming restricted free agents (Jesper Boqvist and Tobias Bjornfot).

The 28-year-old Ekblad had 18 points on four goals 14 assists and 50 penalty minutes in 51 games last season for the Stanley Cup-winning Panthers. He brings a right-handed shot, size at 6-foot-4 and 215 pounds, experience, and toughness.

Petry and Holl are not guaranteed to come back and Detroit needs to unload left-handed defensemen, along with prospects, that could head to Florida in a deal. There are questions surrounding this potential trade. Are the Panthers willing to deal with Ekblad?

What will the cost be to acquire his services? Will he accept a long-term deal with Detroit? If traded, will Ekblad be moved to a team within the division?

There are several moving parts but Detroit needs a star defenseman along with Seider who has experience and can eat minutes. Ekblad may not come cheap but if the Red Wings can land a player of his caliber they have to give up something of value.

Detroit has made it no secret they want to fix the defense. A big move like this would not completely address the issues but it would be a big improvement as he is the type of defenseman they seek. A player with size, and toughness, one who can eat minutes, and is a leader.

There are not many defensemen like this in the league and if Detroit can grab him away from Florida this move could be the missing piece in them acquiring a playoff spot.