Red Wings Seek Defensive Upgrade Ahead of Trade Deadline

Detroit looking to bolster blue line and center depth before March 6 deadline

Feb. 24, 2026 at 7:21pm

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The Detroit Red Wings are reportedly scouring the trade market for a top-four defenseman, preferably with a right-handed shot, ahead of the March 6 NHL trade deadline. General manager Steve Yzerman has also expressed interest in acquiring a skilled center, with St. Louis Blues' Robert Thomas as a potential target.

Why it matters

The Red Wings are in a strong playoff position this season, sitting third in the Atlantic Division, and are looking to further strengthen their roster for a deep postseason run. Upgrading the defense and center depth could help the team end its nine-year playoff drought.

The details

The Red Wings have been linked to several defensemen, including Rasmus Ristolainen of the Philadelphia Flyers, Justin Faulk of the St. Louis Blues, and Mario Ferraro of the San Jose Sharks. At center, the team has its sights set on Robert Thomas of the Blues, who would provide a significant upgrade over the current options of Andrew Copp and JT Compher.

  • The NHL trade deadline is set for March 6, 2026.

The players

Steve Yzerman

The general manager of the Detroit Red Wings, who is exploring trade options to bolster the team's roster ahead of the playoffs.

Rasmus Ristolainen

A defenseman for the Philadelphia Flyers who has been linked to the Red Wings in trade rumors.

Robert Thomas

A skilled center for the St. Louis Blues who the Red Wings are reportedly interested in acquiring.

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What they’re saying

“The Detroit Red Wings are among the teams scouring the trade market for help on the blueline and are hoping to acquire a top-four defenceman, preferably with a right shot by the trade deadline.”

— David Pagnotta, Hockey Insider (The Fourth Period)

“Thomas, 26, has five more years remaining on his contract after this season and comes with an $8.125 million salary cap hit. He also owns a full no-trade clause and while the Blues are willing to take calls on him, he will have to approve any trade the team attempts to complete.”

— David Pagnotta, Hockey Insider (The Fourth Period)

What’s next

The Red Wings have until March 6, 2026, to complete any trades ahead of the NHL's trade deadline.

The takeaway

The Red Wings are in a strong position to make the playoffs for the first time in nearly a decade, and GM Steve Yzerman is looking to further strengthen the team's roster by acquiring a top-four defenseman and a skilled center before the trade deadline. These moves could help the Red Wings make a deep postseason run.