Red Wings Face Tough Decisions After Missing Playoffs Again

Two players could be on the trade block as Detroit looks to end its decade-long postseason drought

Apr. 13, 2026 at 2:51am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented hockey game or match, with sharp planes of red and white representing the Detroit Red Wings' team colors.The Red Wings' prolonged playoff drought has left fans in Hockeytown frustrated, as the team looks to shake up its roster through potential trades.Today in Detroit

The Detroit Red Wings have missed the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the 10th consecutive season, the longest active drought in the NHL. General manager Steve Yzerman is under pressure to make major changes to the roster, and two potential trade candidates have emerged - center JT Compher and forward Michael Rasmussen.

Why it matters

The Red Wings' prolonged playoff drought has frustrated fans in Hockeytown, and the team needs to find a way to get back to the postseason to appease its loyal fanbase. Trading away underperforming players like Compher and Rasmussen could provide the salary cap flexibility and roster shakeup the team needs to improve.

The details

Compher signed a big five-year contract in 2023 after a career year with the Colorado Avalanche, but has struggled to make an impact in Detroit. Rasmussen, a former 9th overall pick, is in the midst of his worst NHL season and has seen his physical play and ice time decline. Both players could be moved this offseason as the Red Wings look to free up cap space and find new opportunities for the players.

  • The Red Wings' playoff drought dates back to the 2016-17 season.
  • The team is projected to have $30 million in salary cap space this offseason.

The players

JT Compher

A center who signed a five-year contract with the Red Wings in 2023 after a career year with the Colorado Avalanche, but has struggled to make an impact in Detroit.

Michael Rasmussen

A former 9th overall draft pick by the Red Wings who is in the midst of his worst NHL season, with declining physical play and ice time.

Steve Yzerman

The Red Wings' general manager since 2019, who is under pressure to end the team's long playoff drought.

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What’s next

The Red Wings will need to make tough decisions this offseason, including potentially trading away players like Compher and Rasmussen, in order to free up salary cap space and shake up the roster to end their long playoff drought.

The takeaway

The Red Wings' failure to make the playoffs for a 10th straight season has put significant pressure on the organization to make major changes. Trading away underperforming players like Compher and Rasmussen could provide the team with the salary cap flexibility and roster shakeup it needs to get back to the postseason and appease its frustrated fanbase.