Red Wings Aim to Break Playoff Drought at Trade Deadline

Detroit's young stars have the team in playoff position, but key deadline moves could determine their postseason fate.

Feb. 26, 2026 at 11:03pm

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The Detroit Red Wings are in playoff position with just over a week until the NHL trade deadline, a surprising turnaround from the start of the season. Led by rising stars like Lucas Raymond, Mo Seider, and Alex DeBrincat, the Red Wings are looking to end their nine-year playoff drought. However, the team's front office will need to make the right moves at the deadline to solidify their spot in the standings and set them up for future success.

Why it matters

Making the playoffs this season would be a major milestone for the Red Wings, who have struggled to return to relevance in the Eastern Conference in recent years. A strong trade deadline could help the team break through, but the wrong moves could also jeopardize their progress and the development of their young core.

The details

The Red Wings entered the Olympic break in a playoff position in the Atlantic Division, a surprising turnaround from the start of the season when they were expected to miss the postseason. Key contributors like James van Riemsdyk and the continued growth of players like Raymond, Seider, and DeBrincat have fueled Detroit's resurgence. However, the team has hit a skid lately and will need to make the right moves at the trade deadline to solidify their spot in the standings.

  • The NHL trade deadline is on March 3, 2026.
  • The Red Wings have 24 games remaining in the regular season.

The players

Dylan Larkin

The Red Wings' captain and gold-medalist at the recent Olympics.

Lucas Raymond

The Red Wings' leading scorer who finished atop the team's scoring leaderboard last season as well.

Mo Seider

Considered one of the best all-around defensemen in the league, playing over 30 minutes per game for the Red Wings.

Alex DeBrincat

The biggest trade acquisition of Steve Yzerman's tenure as Red Wings GM, DeBrincat is on pace for a career season.

Steve Yzerman

The Red Wings' general manager who will be tasked with making the right moves at the trade deadline to bolster the team's playoff push.

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What they’re saying

“Getting the right players, at the right price coming out of this year's trade deadline may not just be paramount for the Red Wings' immediate playoff chances, but the future as well.”

— Max Smith, Author (detroithockeynow.com)

“If they don't get impact reinforcements, it'll be another disappointing year for a group that thinks they have earned the faith for that kind of gamble from the front office.”

— Max Smith, Author (detroithockeynow.com)

What’s next

The Red Wings will be active at the March 3rd trade deadline, looking to add pieces that can help them secure a playoff spot and potentially make a deep postseason run.

The takeaway

The Red Wings' young core has them in playoff position, but the team's success at the trade deadline will be crucial in determining whether they can finally end their nine-year playoff drought and set themselves up for long-term success.