It is safe to assume that the Detroit Red Wings are headed towards a busy summer. After stumbling down the stretch once again, the club embarrassingly extended its decade-long playoff drought. This was even though they previously led the Atlantic Division as late as January 22.
As The Athletic’s Max Bultman recently pointed out, the Red Wings have plenty of issues to take care of in the offseason. Bringing back star veteran Patrick Kane is a top priority for general manager Steve Yzerman. This is, of course, if the exec retains his job. Kane, however, could be Detroit’s only pending unrestricted free agent to return next season. Contract extensions for Alex DeBrincat and Simon Edvinsson should also be discussed.
While the Red Wings do have a very solid core, they will need some key additions this summer. One star player who is already being linked with a move to Detroit this summer is Connor Hellebuyck. The Winnipeg Jets goalie is widely regarded as the best player in his position in the entire NHL. Although the American is under contract until 2031, he recently fueled speculation that he could be traded in the offseason.
“What we did this year was unacceptable,” Hellebuyck told reporters after the Jets’ disappointing 2025-26 season. “No one wants to be part of that.” He then questioned whether Winnipeg could attract top players to strengthen the team. Because of these comments, Bleacher Report’s Lyle Richardson claims that Hellebuyck could be on the move. The reporter even suggested that the Red Wings would likely become a top landing spot for the netminder.
Detroit Red Wings Can Afford Connor Hellebuyck’s Contract
GettyMichigan native Connor Hellebuyck recently guided Team USA to Olympic gold in Italy.
As Richardson points out, the Red Wings could have a significant advantage in the Hellebuyck sweepstakes. This is, of course, if the superstar does eventually want out of Winnipeg. The three-time Vezina Award winner is from the Detroit area and grew up a Red Wings fan. Hellebuyck currently has a no-trade clause in his contract and would have to give his consent before joining a new club.
If he favors a move to Detroit, the team could certainly afford to bring him in. Hellebuyck carries a fairly manageable $8.5 million AAV contract. With the NHL salary cap set to increase in the coming years, the goalie’s hit is not difficult to handle. According to PuckPedia.com, the Red Wings also have nearly $33 million in projected cap space for the 2026-27 season. They do, however, have several roster holes to fill.
Detroit May Not Need a New Goalie
While Detroit can afford Hellebuyck, a new goalie may not be a top positional priority for Yzerman. The Detroit Red Wings will likely allow backup netminder Cam Talbot to leave in free agency this summer. Nevertheless, the team’s typical starter, John Gibson, is coming off a solid season between the pipes. The veteran posted a 2.72 GAA and .901 SV% in 57 starts. Gibson is also signed through the 2026-27 campaign on a $6.4 million AAV salary.
Potentially moving Gibson out to make room for Hellebuyck would be an extremely bold move. The Red Wings, however, have to take some big swings in the offseason to improve the team and end their playoff drought. Detroit also has one of the best prospect pools in the NHL to help facilitate a significant trade.
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