The Detroit Red Wings are holding onto a playoff spot, and the team is expected to be aggressive ahead of the deadline.
Detroit hasn’t made the playoffs since the 2015-16 season. But the Red Wings seem poised to snap their drought this season. With Detroit holding onto a playoff spot, NHL insider David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period reported the team is looking to add a top-four defenseman.
“The Detroit Red Wings are among the teams scouring the trade market for help on the blueline and are hoping to acquire a top-four defenseman, preferably with a right shot by the trade deadline,” Pagnotta wrote. “Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman has been exploring his options, according to multiple league sources. Though it is unclear if he has made traction towards a deal.
“The Red Wings reportedly expressed interest in Rasmus Andersson earlier in the season before the Calgary Flames traded him to the Vegas Golden Knights. Detroit has also been linked to Philadelphia Flyers rearguard Rasmus Ristolainen. Detroit has over $45 million in salary cap space. And is not restricted by the cap to add to its roster before deadline day.”
Who the Red Wings would acquire is uncertain. But Ristolainen’s name has come up, while other defenseman expected to be made available are Dougie Hamilton, Justin Faulk, and Braden Schneider, among others.
Red Wings Also Interested in Top-6 Center
Along with looking for a top-four defenseman, the team is also interested in a star centerman.
Detroit has been linked to St. Louis Blues star Robert Thomas, and Pagnotta confirmed that interest is real.
“The Wings are also believed to be eyeing a center. And the club has expressed interest in St. Louis Blues pivot Robert Thomas,” Pagnotta added. “Thomas, 26, has five more years remaining on his contract after this season and comes with an $8.125 million salary cap hit. He also owns a full no-trade clause. While the Blues are willing to take calls on him, he will have to approve any trade the team attempts to complete.”
Thomas is in the third year of his eight-year, $65 million deal with the Blues. So the cost to acquire him would be hefty. But he would add some more scoring to the Red Wings’ lineup. He’s recorded 11 goals and 22 assists for 33 points in 42 games.
Detroit Looking to Snap Playoff Drought
The Red Wings’ playoff drought is the second-longest in the NHL. But, the team is in a good spot to end the drought.
Red Wings head coach Todd McLellan believes the team is ready to take the next step. McLellan also believes the team is as tight as he’s seen.
“At the rink, I think the commitment from one player to another,” McLellan said. “Regardless of position or stature on the team, has grown throughout the year so far. Which means the belief system is a little bit higher. Those are really positive things. When you believe you still have a chance and when you’re still in it, you’re prepared to give a little bit more in practice and work harder at things.”
Detroit is 33-19-6 and is in third place in the Atlantic Division.
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