The Detroit Red Wings are continuing to impress as the 2025-26 season rolls on. With their 4-0 win over the Chicago Blackhawks in their most recent game on Dec. 13, the Red Wings now have an 18-12-3 record and are second in the Atlantic Division standings.
Given how this season has gone so far for the Red Wings, they are setting themselves up to be legitimate buyers for the first time in a while. Furthermore, it would not be surprising if general manager Steve Yzerman ends up being aggressive this year, as the Red Wings are currently looking to snap their nine-year playoff drought.
Money is also not an issue for Detroit right now, as according to PuckPedia, the Red Wings have over $12 million of cap space. Due to this, the Red Wings are in a position to make at least one notable trade before the 2026 NHL trade deadline is here.
When looking at players who have the potential to be moved this season, Columbus Blue Jackets center Charlie Coyle could be a nice fit for the Red Wings. The 33-year-old forward would have the potential to give the Red Wings’ forward group a strong boost if acquired.
Due to this, we here at Heavy Sports have a trade pitch that would have the Red Wings acquire Coyle from the Blue Jackets in a big move.
Red Wings Get:
- Charlie Coyle
- 2026 Sixth-Round Pick
Blue Jackets Get:
- 2026 Second-Round Pick
- 2027 Fourth-Round Pick
- Amadeus Lombardi
Blue Jackets’ Struggles Could Lead to Charlie Coyle Trade
The Blue Jackets are having some big-time struggles as of late. Over their last 10 games, the Blue Jackets have recorded a 2-5-3 record. This includes an ongoing five-game losing streak. With this, the Blue Jackets now have a 13-13-6 record on the season and are at the very bottom of the Metropolitan Division standings.
With how the Blue Jackets are playing, their playoff chances are starting to decrease. If they do not turn things around and find themselves out of the playoff race near the deadline, Coyle would become a prime trade candidate due to his pending unrestricted free agent (UFA) status.
If the Blue Jackets do make Coyle available this season, he should generate a lot of interest from contenders. This is because he is an impactful center with size who has plenty of playoff experience. With this, he is exactly the kind of forward a team on the rise, like the Red Wing,s should make a real push for.
Coyle Would Provide Red Wings With a Big Boost At Center Position
If the Red Wings acquired Coyle, there is no question that he would give them a much-needed boost at the center position. When taking a look at the Red Wings’ roster, Coyle could be a strong fit as their second-line center with Patrick Kane and Alex DeBrincat as his wingers. However, he also could be a nice pickup for their third-line center spot, as he has shown throughout his career that he can make an impact in this kind of role.
In 32 games this season with the Blue Jackets, Coyle has posted five goals and 20 points. This is after the 6-foot-3 forward had 17 goals and 35 points during this past season and 25 goals and 60 points during the 2023-24 season.
Red Wings New Trade Pitch Lands Big $31.5 Million Center