Detroit — It’s almost Christmas in March for the average hockey fan.
The NHL trade deadline is 3 p.m. Friday, and for Red Wings fans, this week is likely to be quite different from previous years.
For the last nine years, the Wings have missed the playoffs and largely been sellers — or stayed put — rather than be aggressive buyers.
But this trade deadline is likely to be different.
General manager Steve Yzerman is likely to be active, given where the Red Wings are in the standings. The Wings (35-20-6, 76 points) are in third place in the Atlantic Division, above the wild-card line, and entering Tuesday’s games stood seven points clear of the first team (Washington) outside of the playoff picture.
With parity taking hold in the NHL, and the Eastern Conference lacking any clear-cut favorite, the correct moves could push a team like the Wings to a successful playoff push.
The Wings have been linked to numerous players potentially available this week. There are quite a few defenseman available this season — and not as many quality forwards, although several centers are being shopped for an expensive price.
Here’s a list of 15 players that would make a some sense:
Vincent Trocheck, N.Y. Rangers, center, 32, $5.625 cap hit through 2028-29: The Rangers appear ready to move Trocheck, and there’s likely going to be a long list of interested teams. Trocheck is the type of two-way center who would fit nicely into what the Wings are looking for. The age and contract would fit nicely into the Wings’ scheme of things.
Nazem Kadri, Calgary, center, 35, $7 million cap hit through 2028-29: The Wings have been interested in years past, and Kadri has the snarl and offensive skill that would be intriguing. But the age and money seem a bit worrisome.
Robert Thomas, St. Louis, center, 26, $8.125 million AAV through 2030-31: It still seems strange the Blues would be looking to trade Thomas, but speculation persists. Injuries have slowed Thomas this season, but he has an 86-point season on his resume. You’d think the haul back to St. Louis would be steep, given Thomas’ age.
Tyler Myers, Vancouver, right-shot defenseman, 36, $3 million AAV, through 2026-27: The Wings reportedly have a deal of a second-round draft choice in June on the table for Myers, who has a no-move clause in his contract. Family concerns may keep Myers closer to Vancouver.
Justin Faulk, St. Louis, RD, 33, $6.5 million AAV, through 2026-27: The offensive production has slowed in recent years, but he’s the type of puck-moving, mobile, right-shot defenseman that would deepen the Wings’ defense.
Logan Stanley, Winnipeg, LD, 27, $1.25 million AAV, unrestricted free agent: Stanley isn’t going to grab the headlines, and he plays the left side, but at 6-foot-7, 231 pounds, his physical play, and ability to block shots, and the fact Stanley is a pure rental, he’s the type of player Yzerman might prefer.
Elias Pettersson, Vancouver, C, 27, $11.6 million AAV, through 2031-32: There’s been ample guesswork on the Wings being interested in the former 27-year-old, 102-point scorer. But Petterson’s stock is at an all-time low, the offensive decline is scary, and Pettersson’s moody personality simply doesn’t seem like a fit on this roster.
Mackenzie Weegar, Calgary, RD, 32, $6.25 million AAV, through 2030-31: Weeger is another fine puck-moving defenseman, but the contract is costly and Weeger has expressed a desire to stay in Calgary.
Dougie Hamilton, New Jersey, RD, 32, $9 million AAV, through 2027-28: The Wings have been linked to Hamilton in years past. He has a big shot, dependable at both ends of the rink, but that contract, even for one full season, is steep and no one is quite sure what the Devis’ plan is.
Mario Ferraro, San Jose, LD, 27, $3.25 million AAV, UFA: The Wings have shown interest before in this versatile, defensive-minded veteran, who can comfortably play either side.
Rasmus Ristolainen, Philadelphia, RD, 31, $5.1 million AAV, $5.1 million through 2027-28: Ristolainen is believed to be available, but the Flyers’ recent win streak might give them hope of still reaching the playoffs. Ristolainen has had a good season and has the size and grit the Wings would like.
Zach Whitecloud, Calgary, RD, 29, $2.75 million AAV, through 2027-28: The Flames acquired Whitecloud earlier this season and he’d be an attractive piece on the trade market, but the Flames may wait to deal until next season.
Jamie Oleksiak, Seattle, LD, 33, $4.6 million AAV, UFA: Seattle is in the thick of the playoff race and may decide to keep the veteran, but Oleksiak is the type of depth piece who could be intriguing.
Simon Benoit, Toronto, LD, 27, $1.35 million AAV, through 2027-28: If the Maple Leafs are indeed going to be aggressive sellers, Benoit would be a low-risk depth piece.
Brandon Carlo, Toronto, RD, 29, $3.485 million AAV, through 2026-27: Carlo’s stock was significantly higher a few years ago, as injuries have slowed him, but he’s a solid defensive defenseman who can help teams.
Golden Knights at Red Wings
Faceoff: 7 p.m. Wednesday, Little Caesars Arena, Detroit
TV/radio: FDSN/97.1 FM
Notable: The Wings (35-20-6, 76 points) begin a short, two-game homestand entertaining Vegas (28-18-14, 70 points)…Vegas won the previous game between the teams on Nov. 4, 1-0….C Jack Eichel (47 assists, 68 points) leads the Golden Knights.
tkulfan@detroitnews.com
@tkulfan
This article originally appeared on The Detroit News: 15 players who could make sense for Red Wings at trade deadline
Reporting by Ted Kulfan, The Detroit News / The Detroit News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
