The Detroit Red Wings are optimistic that 2025-26 will mark the end of the team’s nearly decade-long playoff drought. A full season from coach Todd McLellan and a new starting goaltender could mark the difference between another lost season and a return to playoff contention.
However, the Red Wings’ roster is not a done deal. There could be room for improvement as GM Steve Yzerman looks to tweak the pieces McLellan can deploy to help the club compete with the big players in the Atlantic Division.
So, three names emerge as the top three trade candidates for the 2025-26 season.
Top 3 Red Wings Trade Candidates in 2025-26
J.T. Compher
J.T. Compher has been somewhat underwhelming during his tenure with the Red Wings. While he’s a serviceable middle-six forward, Detroit could be looking to get out from under his cap hit.
Moreover, the club could be more inclined to give a younger player an opportunity to earn a regular lineup spot as opposed to Compher.
Moving the 30-year-old won’t be easy. He has a 10-team no-trade clause. His $5.1 million cap hit is also something that gets in the way. But a team desperate enough for a forward could be willing to pull the trigger.
He has one more year left on his contract after this season. So, there could be teams amenable to acquiring the former Stanley Cup champ.
Cam Talbot
Like Compher, Cam Talbot could be part of a deal with a club looking to bolster its depth. The veteran goalie could be on some clubs’ radars, especially when looking for a reliable back-tandem netminder.
It’s also worth pointing out that the Red Wings will be eager to give prospect Sebastian Cossa a good look this season. If that’s the case, the Wings might trade Talbot to give Cossa a spot to share the load with John Gibson.
Justin Holl
Justin Holl has likely been squeezed out of the Red Wings’ top-six defense group. Daily Faceoff does not project Holl to make the lineup. As such, Detroit will be looking to move on from Holl and this $3.4 million cap hit.
Nevertheless, that might not be quite so easy. The market for Holl seems bone dry. So, the Red Wings may have to give him away much the same way they did with Vladimir Tarasenko. That move could come to fruition as injuries mount throughout the course of the season.
Red Wings Won’t Stand Pat this Season
GM Steve Yzerman has already shown he’s not afraid to be aggressive on the trade market. He landed Gibson at a reasonable price at the 2025 NHL Draft. As such, fans shouldn’t be surprised to see Yzerman attempt to make another big move.
The biggest hurdle could be that the club stumbles out of the gate. A slow start could precipitate moves by Yzerman, forcing the club to make changes before the season gets out of hand. With a plethora of young talent coming up the pipeline, the Red Wings might be more amenable to but their losses with some high-priced veterans now.
Red Wings Top 3 Trade Candidates in 2025-26