Red Wings' Missed Opportunity at 2026 NHL Trade Deadline

Detroit failed to address its center depth, and now it may cost them a playoff spot.

Mar. 14, 2026 at 5:48am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Detroit Red Wings made a key trade at the 2026 NHL Trade Deadline, acquiring defenseman Justin Faulk from the St. Louis Blues. However, their biggest mistake was not addressing their need for a top-six center, even before injuries sidelined their top two centers, Dylan Larkin and Andrew Copp. This oversight could have a significant impact on the Red Wings' playoff hopes as they try to end a 9-year postseason drought.

Why it matters

The Red Wings are currently clinging to the final Wild Card spot in the Eastern Conference, but with their top two centers out, their playoff push is in jeopardy. Adding a middle-six center could have provided crucial depth and insurance, but the Red Wings failed to make that move at the deadline.

The details

The Red Wings had a couple of needs to address at the deadline, including bolstering their defense, which they did by acquiring Faulk. However, their bigger need was for a top-six center to provide depth behind star Dylan Larkin. Veteran options like Evan Rodrigues, Scott Laughton, and Erik Haula were available but the Red Wings did not make a move. Now with Larkin and Copp both injured, the Red Wings are in a significant hole as they try to end their 9-year playoff drought.

  • The 2026 NHL Trade Deadline was on March 13, 2026.
  • Larkin and Copp were initially ruled day-to-day, but coach Todd McLellan recently announced they would be re-evaluated in the next two weeks.

The players

Justin Faulk

A top-four caliber defenseman acquired by the Red Wings from the St. Louis Blues at the 2026 NHL Trade Deadline.

Dylan Larkin

The Red Wings' star center and clear number one down the middle, who is currently sidelined with an injury.

Andrew Copp

The Red Wings' second-line center, who is also currently out with an injury.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The Red Wings will have to wait and see how long Larkin and Copp are out, and whether their current center depth can hold up in their absence as they try to secure a playoff spot.

The takeaway

The Red Wings' failure to address their need for center depth at the trade deadline, even before key injuries, could prove to be a costly mistake as they fight to end their 9-year playoff drought. This oversight highlights the importance of proactively addressing roster weaknesses, as unforeseen circumstances can quickly derail a team's postseason aspirations.