With the 2026 NHL trade deadline being less than 24 hours away, we are starting to see plenty of moves made around the league. However, at the time of this writing, the Detroit Red Wings have yet to make their first notable move of the week. While this is the case, it undoubtedly has the potential to change.
The Red Wings should be very aggressive with the trade deadline almost here. For the first time in several years, they are in a position to be buyers, as they are in a great spot in the standings. They also have plenty of cap space and good trading assets to work with, so now is the time for them to make a big splash.
Due to the Red Wings being in a prime position to be buyers, they are being linked to two of the top trade candidates in the NHL right now.
Red Wings Are Targeting Both Robert Thomas & Vincent Trocheck
In a recent article for Sportsnet, NHL insider Elliotte Friedman provided some updates around the league with the trade deadline almost here. The Red Wings were one of the most notable teams discussed by Friedman, as he noted that the Original Six club is targeting both St. Louis Blues forward Robert Thomas and New York Rangers forward Vincent Trocheck.
“I believed Utah was the best match for Robert Thomas, but so far they have balked at the ask. It’s poker. Detroit is believed to be in there, too. Detroit was also involved in conversations about Vincent Trocheck, as is Carolina. (There are always teams I don’t see coming),” Friedman wrote.
With the Red Wings in desperate need of another top-six center, it makes a lot of sense that they are interested in both Thomas and Trocheck. Landing either player would provide the Red Wings’ roster with a massive boost, as they are both legitimate stars. Because of this, it is completely understandable that the Red Wings are looking to make a splash for either of these centers.
Thomas Would Be the Bigger Fish for the Red Wings
While Trocheck is a very good player, it would be a bigger deal if the Red Wings acquired Thomas. This is because Thomas is a first line-center who is right in his prime at 26 years old. He is also signed until the end of the 2030-31 season, so he would be a long-term part of the Red Wings’ core if acquired.
In 44 games this season with the Blues, Thomas has recorded 13 goals, 24 assists, and 37 points. This is after the star center had 21 goals and 81 points in 70 games last season with St. Louis. With numbers like these, he would be a massive addition to Detroit’s forward group.
Trocheck Would Still Be Fantastic Pickup for Red Wings
While Thomas is the bigger star out of this pair, Trocheck would still be a fantastic addition to the Red Wings’ roster if acquired. The veteran forward would slot perfectly on their second line with Alex DeBrincat and Patrick Kane. He would also give the Red Wings another veteran to help mentor their younger players.
Trocheck is in the middle of a strong season with the Rangers, too, as he has recorded 12 goals and 39 points in 47 games this season.
Red Wings Targeting 2 Star Centers Ahead of Trade Deadline