The Detroit Red Wings will most likely shake things up this summer. General manager Steve Yzerman recently vented his frustrations after the team failed to qualify for the playoffs. In the season-ending press conference, Yzerman surprised many fans by openly admitting that Detroit needs “better players.” As a result, multiple offseason moves are coming.
In order to make room for new additions, the Red Wings will have to offload some players. It was recently revealed that veteran forward J.T. Compher could be dealt in the coming months. The center/winger was previously given a five-year, $25.5 million contract with the club. While Compher’s statistics have diminished in recent seasons, the upcoming free agency market is lackluster. Detroit could get good value for the veteran if he were moved.
As far as potential targets, the Red Wings have multiple needs. Nevertheless, grabbing more offense, particularly five-on-five, will be a priority for the team. Yzerman also claimed that Detroit needs quality in the middle of the ice and to get tougher to play against. The club, however, will have money to work with. According to PuckPedia.com, the Red Wings have nearly $33 million in projected cap space for the 2026-27 season.
The Athletic’s Max Bultman recently laid out several possible offseason options for Detroit. One particularly interesting trade target could be Dallas Stars forward Mavrik Bourque. As Bultman points out, the cash-strapped Stars are trying to keep pending restricted free agent (RFA) Jason Robertson. If they are to work out a deal with the star, Bourque will likely become available in the trade market.
Detroit Red Wings Have Money, Prospect Pool to Make Mavrik Bourque Trade
GettyMavrik Bourque would be a solid addition for the Detroit Red Wings.
Like Robertson, Bourque is also set to become an RFA this summer. It seems nearly impossible for Dallas to give Robertson a massive contract and also keep Bourque. At the moment, the Stars have just $11 million in projected cap space for next season. This is currently the fourth-lowest figure among all NHL teams.
The Detroit Red Wings could attempt to take advantage of Dallas’s financial issues this summer. Along with extra money, Detroit has one of the top prospect pools in the NHL to help facilitate a trade. The Stars, on the other hand, have the second-worst prospect pool in the league, according to The Athletic. Because of this, Dallas could offload Bourque to help replenish the organization.
Bourque Ticks the Right Boxes for Detroit’s Needs
Bourque would seemingly fit in with what Yzerman is looking for. While the forward has typically been utilized as a winger in Dallas, he can also be deployed through the middle as a center. In fact, Bourque previously admitted that he prefers to play the center position. The Detroit Red Wings could help him play more in his favored role.
Yzerman should also like what he sees from the young forward’s statistics during the 2025-26 season. Bourque racked up 41 total points on the campaign, with 20 goals and 21 assists. All but one of his goals on the season came while playing five-on-five. The versatile budding star also recorded 79 hits in Dallas. This would have been the fourth-most hits among Detroit forwards on the year.
Red Wings Expected to Target Trade for Star Young Forward