The Detroit Red Wings are in an ideal position. Through 58 games, they’ve secured 72 points, good for third in the Atlantic Division. With the NHL set to return next week and the trade deadline taking place on March 6th, there are just nine games between then and now.
Max Bultman of The Athletic has the Red Wings making a move for a top-four defenseman in that time. “The Red Wings have pulled back on Axel Sandin-Pellikka’s minutes, especially when protecting late leads,” Bultman said. “This speaks to the need to bring in a more proven (and ideally heavier) second-pair defenseman for the playoff push.”
As of today, the Red Wings have a pick in every round of the 2026 NHL Draft, with an extra seventh round pick courtesy of the Calgary Flames. Should they decide to make a splash, they have the means to make a move.
Who the Red Wings choose to target, though, depends entirely on general manager Steve Yzerman.
Ideal Fits for the Red Wings
“The bottom half of Detroit’s defense is largely lighter and relatively unproven against playoff pressure, and for a team looking to snap a nine-year playoff drought, a steady option who can take 18-20 minutes next to Ben Chiarot would add stability on the back end,” Bultman added.
There are no shortage of quality defensemen on the market. Daily Faceoff’s trade bait board lists a whopping 21 defensemen up for grabs this March. Among them include big names like Dougie Hamilton and strong, solid contributors like Logan Stanley. Bultman, however, believes a player like Justin Faulk is the ideal fit.
Justin Faulk Brings Stability to Red Wings
“Faulk profiles as an ideal fit for the Red Wings’ biggest need,” Bultman emphasized in his trade candidates article. “He’s an experienced top-four blue liner who can log big minutes, move the puck and chip in some offense. He’s also on a perfect bridge contract as Detroit continues to bring along Axel Sandin-Pellikka. He has this year plus one more at a very manageable $6.5 million cap hit, which would help the Red Wings insulate Sandin-Pellikka without blocking him long-term.”
Faulk has two seasons left on his contract with a $6.5M cap hit. In 57 games with the St. Louis Blues this season, he’s amassed 11 goals and 19 assists for 30 points. Faulk, a right shot defenseman, would immediately slot on Detroit’s second pairing alongside Ben Chiarot.
Mario Ferraro Provides
Should the Red Wings instead choose to focus on the left side, there are options aplenty. One such candidate available is San Jose Sharks defenseman Mario Ferraro.
“Ferraro logs a big workload in San Jose, averaging north of 20 minutes a night for six years running,” Bultman remarked. “He’s not big at 5-foot-11, but he eats pucks and throws his body around enough to be a passable No. 4 for a playoff team. The right side is Detroit’s bigger need, though.”
Ferraro, 27, has just 12 points in 55 games with the Sharks. He’s a steadier, responsible defenseman with an emphasis on smart defensive play. Ferraro is set to hit free agency at the conclusion of the 2025-26 NHL season.
Red Wings Targeting Top-Four Defenseman