Detroit Red Wings: Time to shift gears and become a trade deadline seller

The Detroit Red Wings got pummeled by the Ottawa Senators in each of the last two nights resulting in no points from the back-to-back match-ups between the two teams. The Red Wings, who, about 72 hours ago and even less, were viewed as ready to make a playoff push, are trending downward.

It might be time to pump the brakes and shift gears on the Detroit Red Wings trade deadline plans. Initially, it seemed like the team might be cautious buyers coming into this week with a couple of defensemen to target and maybe even a forward or two to help the offense.

Now, after two tough losses and the way assets are being slung around in deals, it might be time for Steve Yzerman to do what he does best. The feelings that came with a hot streak and all of that momentum were great.

I drank that playoff kool-aid and really thought they were en route to a dealing adding a piece or two, and continuing as a wildcard team. Many of the Red Wings faithful did as well, but the last two games that the team played were quite sobering for the playoff hopes.

Detroit Red Wings might need to switch gears on trade deadline plans.

As early as Monday night, the trajectory of the team’s deadline plans seemed to start shifting. Late in the Red Wings’ first loss to the Senators, there was a tweet from Darren Dreger that noted the Red Wings are listening to offers on forward Tyler Bertuzzi once again.

But, with some of the trades that have gone down across the league ahead of the trade deadline, it sounds silly not to start shopping the assets, seeing what teams might pay for some of the things the Red Wings have to offer.

With three losses in a row after getting shut out by Andrei Vasilevskiy and the Tampa Bay Lightning before heading to Ottawa for a dose of physicality and getting outplayed, things feel different. The trade deadline has been busy, and it might be time for Yzerman to start trying to reap the benefits of a deadline deal.

The change in direction means it’s time to watch and closely see what happens with Bertuzzi. Heck, a few weeks ago, we suggested that Dylan Larkin will likely get moved before the trade deadline.

A too-good-to-be-true offer could roll through the phone with Yzerman, leaving him no choice but to pull the trigger on what could wind up being a really tough decision. It will be a long road ahead until Friday; keep an eye on the Red Wings, who could very well switch gears.