Red Wings Poised for Impactful Trade Deadline

Detroit a potential buyer for the first time in a decade as they eye playoff push

Mar. 5, 2026 at 7:48pm

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The Detroit Red Wings find themselves in a rare position at the NHL trade deadline, as they are firmly in playoff contention for the first time in 10 years. General Manager Steve Yzerman is expected to be active, looking to add a second-pair defenseman and a top-six forward to bolster the team's roster ahead of the postseason push.

Why it matters

The Red Wings' playoff drought has been a long and frustrating one for the team and its fans. With the team currently third in the Atlantic Division and holding a comfortable seven-point cushion in the playoff race, this represents a golden opportunity for Yzerman to make impactful moves that could help the team end its postseason drought.

The details

The Red Wings could target defensemen like Oliver Ekman-Larsson, Simon Nemec, Justin Faulk, Rasmus Ristolainen, Dougie Hamilton, and Logan Stanley, as well as forwards such as Vincent Trocheck, Robert Thomas, Nazem Kadri, Blake Coleman, Evander Kane, and Bobby McMann. However, the prices for players like Thomas and Trocheck are expected to be high.

  • The NHL trade deadline is set for 3 p.m. ET on Friday, March 3, 2026.
  • The Red Wings last qualified for the playoffs and were buyers at the trade deadline 10 years ago.

The players

Steve Yzerman

In his seventh season as the general manager of the Detroit Red Wings, Yzerman is expected to be active at the trade deadline as the team looks to end its playoff drought.

Todd McLellan

The head coach of the Detroit Red Wings, McLellan has been in constant communication with Yzerman about the team's roster and potential trade targets.

Patrick Kane

The veteran forward for the Red Wings, Kane is aware that the team is in a good position to make the playoffs and that moves could be made at the deadline.

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What they’re saying

“It's almost like Christmas; everybody marks it on their calendars when the league schedule comes out. It's a major day, and people are broadcasting across Canada, like, take the afternoon off and find out what's going on. It's become way too much of a spectacle, in my opinion.”

— Todd McLellan, Head Coach, Detroit Red Wings

“We're definitely in a position where we are in a great spot to make the playoffs. Roster-wise and what happens to the team, it's totally out of everyone in this room's control and I think everyone's fond of each other in here in the group we have. Obviously, it's a business, too. There's moves that could be made and things can happen at the deadline.”

— Patrick Kane

What’s next

The Red Wings will continue to evaluate their roster and potential trade targets leading up to the March 3rd deadline. The team's performance in their remaining 20 games will also factor into Yzerman's decision-making process.

The takeaway

The Red Wings' position at the trade deadline represents a significant shift from the past decade, as the team looks to end its playoff drought and make an impactful move or two to bolster its roster for a postseason push. The high prices for available players, however, could make it challenging for Yzerman to find the right fit without overpaying.