The Detroit Red Wings are undoubtedly a big team to watch leading up to the 2026 NHL trade deadline. While the Red Wings made a solid move on Thursday night when they acquired forward David Perron from the Ottawa Senators, it is clear that they should not be done yet.
The Red Wings are entering deadline day with some clear roster needs to address. One of their most notable ones is adding an impactful right-shot defenseman, as it is apparent that the right side of their defense is in need of a major boost.
However, the NHL trade market has already seen multiple potential defense options for the Red Wings get moved. A few defensemen who have been traded who could have been strong fits on the Red Wings include John Carlson (Anaheim Ducks), Connor Murphy (Edmonton Oilers), and Tyler Myers (Dallas Stars). While this is the case, there are still some interesting options left for the Red Wings to consider.
One right-shot defenseman trade candidate who would make a lot of sense for the Red Wings to pursue is New Jersey Devils defenseman Simon Nemec. Because of this, we here at Heavy Sports have a trade pitch that would have the Devils send Nemec to the Red Wings in a big deadline day swap.
Red Wings Get:
- Simon Nemec
Devils Get:
- Nate Danielson
- 2026 Second-Round Pick
- 2027 Fourth-Round Pick
Devils’ Simon Nemec Is a Prime Trade Candidate
With the Devils underperforming in a major way this season, they are open to shaking up their roster. Nemec is the most notable trade candidate on the Devils’ roster right now, and it is why he landed the No. 4 spot on Chris Johnston’s latest trade board for The Athletic.
“A skilled puck-mover and former No. 2 pick, Nemec will be in line for a raise when his entry-level contract expires this summer. With the Devils enduring a difficult season and already having plenty of money committed elsewhere on their blue line, they’re listening to offers on the young right-shot defenseman. It will likely take an attractive forward being offered to pry Nemec out of New Jersey,” Johnston wrote.
With the Devils listening to offers on Nemec, the Red Wings should strongly consider making a push for him. He could slot nicely on their second pairing if acquired, and he would give them a young defenseman with elite potential. Furthermore, the 22-year-old could be a long-term part of the Red Wings’ core if he took that next step in his development and hit his full potential.
Nemec is also in the middle of a strong year for the Devils. In 48 games this season with the Devils, the 6-foot-1 blueliner has set new career highs with nine goals and 21 points. With numbers like these, he would provide the Red Wings with more offense from the point if acquired.
Red Wings Should Not Be the Only Team in on Nemec
With Nemec being a young defenseman with plenty of upside, several teams besides the Red Wings should have him on their radar. A few teams that could make sense as suitors for him include the Boston Bruins, Montreal Canadiens, Pittsburgh Penguins, Carolina Hurricanes, and Dallas Stars.
Yet, it will be interesting to see if the Red Wings can swing a deal for the 2022 second-overall pick from here.
Red Wings Trade Pitch Lands Young Defender With Elite Potential