Things are going very well for the Detroit Red Wings so far this season. They are currently at the top of the Atlantic Division standings with a 31-16-5 record and 67 points. They are also showing no signs of slowing down, either, as they have won seven out of their last 10 games.
With the way the Red Wings are playing this season, there is a real chance that they will snap their nine-year playoff drought. However, to help their odds of doing this even further, they would be wise to try to add to their roster between now and the 2026 NHL trade deadline.
One area that the Red Wings could look to address is their blueline. It is clear that they could use more defensive depth, and there are plenty of interesting defenseman creating chatter in the rumor mill as trade candidates. One just so happens to be Winnipeg Jets defender Logan Stanley.
The Jets are currently having a bad season, as evidenced by their 20-23-7 record. With this, there is a chance that they will be sellers this campaign, and Stanley is one of their top trade candidates. This is because the 6-foot-7 defenseman is a pending unrestricted free agent (UFA) and also in the middle of a strong year. Thus, he is a player who the Red Wings should have on their radar.
Due to this, Heavy Sports has a trade pitch that would have the Red Wings acquire Stanley from the Jets to help bolster their blueline.
Red Wings Get:
- Logan Stanley
Jets Get:
- 2026 Second-Round Pick
- 2026 Third-Round Pick
Stanley Is Among NHL’s Top Trade Candidates
With the deadline getting closer, trade chatter around the NHL is starting to pick up. Due to this, NHL insider Chris Johnston released his latest trade board for The Athletic that looked at several players who could be on the move this season. Without much surprise, Stanley made the cut, landing the No. 22 spot.
“Unafraid to drop his gloves to defend teammates, and with a reach that’s basically unmatched across the league, Stanley is in position to cash in this summer with a contract that could be worth $25 million or more. That leaves the Jets with a decision to make: Do they want to be the team offering that deal, or is it time to cash in on their investment by putting him on the trade market?” Johnston wrote.
With the Jets’ playoff hopes being low right now, it would be entirely understandable if they made Stanley available. If they do, it would be wise for the Red Wings to make a push for him, as it’s clear that they could use another big defenseman on their blueline as they look to make the playoffs.
Stanley Would Boost Red Wings’ Blueline in a Big Way
If the Red Wings acquired Stanley, he would give their bottom pairing a much-needed boost. This is because he not only plays a heavy game but also can contribute offensively from the point. In 49 games this season with the Jets, he has posted eight goals, 16 points, 79 hits, and 95 penalty minutes.
Ultimately, with the Red Wings needing another defenseman, Stanley could be a strong fit on their roster. It will be intriguing to see if they land him from here.
Red Wings Trade Pitch Lands Tough 6-Foot-7 Defender