The Detroit Red Wings are expected to be buyers ahead of the March 6 trade deadline.
Detroit has been linked to multiple high-impact players, and the team could look to make a blockbuster deal ahead of the deadline to strengthen its roster for the Stanley Cup playoffs. Ahead of the deadline, Heavy.com has a trade idea that sees the Red Wings acquiring Robert Thomas from the St. Louis Blues.
Red Wings acquire:
Blues acquire:
- Nate Danielson
- Carter Bear
- 2026 first-round pick
- 2026 third-round pick
The Blues are hoping for a hefty return for Thomas, and they get a very good package from the Red Wings here. Detroit, meanwhile, looks to go all-in and have Thomas for multiple seasons, which is why the Red Wings are okay giving up a hefty package.
Detroit would acquire Thomas, who’s in the third year of his eight-year, $65 million deal. Thomas could be the Red Wings’ first or second-line center and add some more offense to the lineup. He’s recorded 11 goals and 22 assists for 33 points in 42 games this season. He also won the Stanley Cup with the Blues, so he brings some winning pedigree with him.
In return, Detroit gives up a first and a third-round pick in this year’s NHL draft. The Red Wings also give up Danielson, whom the team took ninth overall in 2023. He’s skated in 28 games, recording 2 goals and 5 assists for 7 points.
The Red Wings would also trade Bear, who’s one of the team’s top prospects. Bear was selected 13th overall in 2025, and he’s playing in the WHL and could make the NHL next season. Especially on a rebuilding Blues team.
Thomas Likely Moved Before Deadline
Thomas’ name has come up in trade rumors for over a year now, but he may finally be traded.
The star centerman is one of the Blues’ top trade chips as St. Louis is likely to enter a rebuild. And, according to NHL insider Elliotte Friedman, the Blues are willing to deal him before the March 6 NHL trade deadline.
“I actually believe it could happen. There’s a decent chance that Robert Thomas could be traded by the deadline. … I think it actually could potentially happen (before the trade deadline), and I have to say, I’m a bit surprised about that,” Friedman said on Saturday Headlines. “I think it’s heated up around him a bit.”
If Thomas is indeed available, he’s the top player available in a trade. And several teams will be interested in him.
Red Wings Looking to Add a Center
Although Detroit has been linked to adding a defenseman before the deadline, the Red Wings are also looking to add center help.
NHL insider Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Citizen reported that the Red Wings have some internal concerns about their center depth. Garrioch also believes the team is interested in Elias Pettersson.
“We’re told the Detroit Red Wings have been aggressive in their pursuit of the 27-year-old Pettersson, who could use a change of scenery,” Garrioch wrote. “The Red Wings are concerned about their depth in the middle behind captain Dylan Larkin and Pettersson would bring much-needed skill. Detroit GM Steve Yzerman has the assets to meet the Canucks’ asking price.”
Ultimately, after not being buyers last season, the Red Wings are firmly buyers this season.
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