The Detroit Red Wings have made significant strides this season. The club has taken the next step and has become a serious contender in the Eastern Conference. The doubts regarding the Wings’ staying power have begun to dissipate the longer the club has been in contention.
As such, this trade deadline could be an unusual one for the Red Wings. This trade deadline, Detroit could be a buyer instead of a seller.
The Red Wings’ lineup could use numerous upgrades. Another top-six forward wouldn’t hurt. Perhaps a true veteran defenseman to solidify the young blueline core.
But one area that’s been overlooked is a physical depth forward. That forward could come in the way of the Minnesota Wild’s Ryan Hartman.
Hartman landed on The Athletic’s trade board, not because he’s expendable, but because he doesn’t quite fit the Wild’s plans post-Quinn Hughes trade. Moreover, the Wild need to clear cap space to add more firepower, as rumors suggest.
That said, the Red Wings could be a team in a position to reap the benefits of the Wild’s need to clear space. Detroit could use a reliable veteran forward who plays with a mean streak. When looking at Detroit’s current roster, that’s an area that could certainly use a bump.
Yes, Hartman has committed some questionable acts in the past. But there’s no doubt his presence would immediately signal that there’s a new sheriff in town. That’s something desirable, considering the potential playoff matchups awaiting the Red Wings.
If the playoffs started today, the Red Wings would lock horns with the Montreal Canadiens. The Habs can deploy enforcer extraordinaire Arber Xhekaj to wreak a little havoc on the Wings. Having someone like Hartman would provide instant pushback, should the Habs choose to weaponize Xhekaj in the playoffs.
Hartman Could Be More than Physical Presence for Red Wings
Realistically, Hartman is more of a third-line center. Adding him to the lineup would allow Todd McLellan to drop J.T. Compher to fourth line, with Michael Rasmussen potentially taking up a spot on the wing. The Red Wings could even keep Rasmussen as a 13th or 14th forward, depending on the circumstances.
That said, Hartman would provide a reliable defensive presence, though he’s not precisely a defensive forward. He can play between 12 to 14 minutes a night and not commit any ghastly gaffes.
The physicality the Red Wings could gain would offset his lack of offensive prowess. Nevertheless, Hartman can chip in offensively when needed.
Detroit Needs Veteran Leadership on Young Team
It’s easy to forget that the Red Wings are still very much a young team. Captain Dylan Larkin is 29, Alex DeBrincat is 28, and Lucas Raymond is 23. Top defenseman Moritz Seider is 24. That’s still a pretty young core that lacks playoff experience.
While Compher is 30 and a Stanley Cup winner, Andrew Copp is 31, and Patrick Kane is 37, and a three-time Stanley Cup winner, the Red Wings could use more veteran leadership. After all, all championship teams never have enough leadership. It’s quite common to hear teams say they have 10 or 12 captains in their clubhouse. That’s not hyperbole. It’s a reality. Unlike other sports, one player cannot carry a team all by himself. That’s why the more leaders that surround the team, the better the club can navigate the grind that the NHL playoffs can become.
It’s no exaggeration to claim that the NHL playoffs are the hardest tournament in professional sports. And Ryan Hartman could be one key piece to aid the Red Wings get back to the top.
Red Wings Should Give this Center the Once-Over