The Detroit Red Wings picked up a big 4-0 win over the Chicago Blackhawks on Dec. 13. With this, the Red Wings have improved to an 18-12-3 record on the season and have moved up to second place in the Atlantic Division standings.
Yet, the Red Wings should not get comfortable yet, as the Atlantic Division is very close right now. At the time of this writing, the Boston Bruins only trail the Red Wings by one point in the standings. The Montreal Canadiens are three points behind Detroit, while the Florida Panthers are only five points behind the Red Wings.
With the Red Wings looking to break their nine-year playoff drought, it would not be surprising if they look to add to their roster by the 2026 NHL Trade Deadline. They are in a good spot to be buyers, as they have just under $11 million of cap space, PuckPedia reports. With this, the Red Wings have money to work with.
When looking at the Red Wings’ current roster, it is fair to argue that they could use another skilled center. Due to this, one player who could be a very interesting trade candidate who could be a solid player for the Red Wings to bring in is Anaheim Ducks forward Ryan Strome.
With this, we here at Heavy Sports have a trade pitch that would have the Red Wings acquire Strome from the Ducks.
Red Wings Get:
- Ryan Strome
- 2026 Fifth-Round Pick
Ducks Get:
- Jonatan Berggren
- 2026 Second-Round Pick
Ryan Strome Has Entered the Rumor Mill as a Trade Candidate
The Ducks are in the middle of a strong 2025-26 season. They currently have a 19-12-1 record and are second in the Pacific Division. With this, the Ducks are taking a major step in the right direction with their rebuild and are on pace to snap their seven-year playoff drought.
Yet, even though the Ducks are having a good start to the year, questions about Strome’s future in Anaheim are coming up. The Ducks have a surplus of centers, and it has led to Strome seeing a dip in playing time.
Due to this, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported that clubs around the NHL are watching Strome as a potential trade candidate.
“Those looking for a middleman are keeping a closer watch on Anaheim’s Ryan Strome. Delayed start to the season, in-and-out of the lineup. Ducks surging, is there a spot for him? If not, there will be interest,” Friedman wrote.
If the Ducks make Strome available, the Red Wings should seriously consider making a push for the veteran center.
Strome Would Be a Nice Fit in Red Wings’ Middle Six
If the Red Wings acquired Strome, he would have the potential to provide the Red Wings’ middle six with a nice boost. Furthermore, he would be a clear option for their power play, as he is an impactful playmaker when playing at his best.
Strome has appeared in 14 games so far this season with the Red Wings, where he has recorded one goal and five points. He also recorded three consecutive 41-point seasons from 2022-23 to 2024-25 with Anaheim, so there is no question that he has the potential to provide solid secondary offensive production.
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