The Detroit Red Wings addressed some needs in NHL Free Agency. Patrick Kane remained a Red Wing after signing a one-year contract before the market opened. Moreover, Detroit added depth with the signings of James van Riemsdyk and Mason Appleton.
The free agency market is rather barren at this point in time. There are some options still available. For instance, the Red Wings could pursue Jack Roslovic on the open market. The more impact options, though, will come through trade. General manager Steve Yzerman is hoping to make at least one notable trade before the season begins, as well.
“What I intend to do is once things settle down here and we get through the holiday weekend, would be to circle back after next week with everyone to see what their plans are for the offseason. See if they have any holes to fill or players for whatever reason they want to move,” Yzerman said, via Detroit Hockey Now writer Bob Duff.
Detroit could do a number of things on the trade market. However, there is one player on their team they should not include in a deal. Veteran forward Andrew Copp should be given another chance in the Motor City for the 2025-26 campaign.
Andrew Copp Improved Following Coaching Change
Bruce Bennett/Getty ImagesAndrew Copp showed improvement after the Detroit Red Wings made a coaching change.
Copp, like many Red Wings players, struggled out of the gate in 2024-25. His defense was not what his team needed it to be. He wasn’t putting in the effort in the physical end of the game. And Copp struggled offensively.
However, Detroit made a huge change before the New Year. The Red Wings fired head coach Derek Lalonde on Boxing Day after a brutal start to the season. In his place was former Detroit assistant and veteran bench boss Todd McLellan.
McLellan brought immediate changes to Detroit. And a number of players instantly saw their fortunes turn around. This included Copp, who was more involved defensively. He was also more willing to put in effort in the dirty areas of the game.
Copp’s season was ended early due to injury. The early signs showed that he had something to give in this new season. Giving him a full offseason with McLellan could see the Michigan native find some consistency under Detroit’s veteran bench boss.
Red Wings Have Other Trade Candidates to Move
Detroit does have reason to trade Copp if they want to. He has struggled overall since signing with the Red Wings. And his $5.625 million cap hit could create significant cap space for a larger move, or offset a significant salary coming back.
However, there are others on this roster that can be moved. Defenseman Justin Holl, for instance, could be sent the other way in a deal. Forward J.T. Compher makes north of $5 million, like Copp, and could also be used to offset or clear salary.
Copp showed enough under McLellan to remain with the Red Wings for one more season. If it doesn’t work out, they can try moving him at the 2025 NHL Trade Deadline. Fow now, the veteran forward could provide more value to Detroit on the ice than through trade.
Red Wings Must Resist Trading $28 Million Forward This Summer