The Detroit Red Wings hit this offseason in a good spot. The club has locked up its core for the foreseeable future and has some money coming off the books in the next couple of seasons.
Most importantly, the Red Wings have over $21 million in cap space to spend. That money offers the flexibility to go out there and make some moves to bolster the club. The Wings could use another blueliner, depth forwards, and a solid goaltender.
Armed with cap space, draft picks, and prospects, the Detroit Red Wings are in a prime position to fleece cap-strapped contenders this offseason.
So, let’s take a look at three contenders the Red Wings can pounce on this summer.
Dallas Stars
The Dallas Stars have already begun making some tough choices this summer. The team re-signed Matt Duchene to a four-year, $18 million contract. But the deal also meant the need to clear cap space.
That need prompted the Stars to move Mason Marchment to the Seattle Kraken for a third and fourth-round pick.
That situation could alert the Red Wings of a potential opportunity. One of the names thrown out there is Jason Robertson. The Stars have purportedly taken calls on Robertson amid the need to clear cap space.
If that’s indeed the case, the Red Wings could take advantage of the situation. The Wings could land Robertson for a collection of draft picks since the Stars wouldn’t be able to take any contracts back.
Tampa Bay Lightning
The Tampa Bay Lightning find themselves in an eerily familiar situation. The club is tight against the cap and needs to clear space to make additional moves.
The biggest name thrown around has been Ryan McDonagh. The veteran blueliner is in the final year of his current deal, carrying a $6.75 million price tag. He has a modified no-trade clause, but amid the circumstances, McDonagh and the Bolts could be motivated to get a deal done.
Considering the Lightning are starved for draft picks, the Wings could land McDonagh, or other players like impending UFA Oliver Bjorkstrand or Conor Sheary as part of a package deal for one of the Red Wings’ third and seventh-round picks in the 2025 NHL Draft.
Ultimately, Steve Yzerman would do well to give his old team a call to see what’s available.
Colorado Avalanche
The Colorado Avalanche are in a precarious cap situation and could be forced to make a move. One of the names that has popped up in rumors has been Martin Necas.
Necas was reportedly unhappy with his time in Colorado, leading to speculation about a trade involving the Czech star and his $6.5 million cap hit.
The Red Wings could pry Necas away from the Avalanche for a couple of draft picks, particularly since the Avalanche only have two picks in the entire 2025 NHL Draft. Getting Necas wouldn’t cost a first-rounder. A package of mid-round picks could do the trick.
It’s worth mentioning that the Avalanche won’t want to get any players back as they are looking to clear cap space.
All told, adding Necas to the Wings’ top six could be just what the doctor ordered, that is if such a deal could come to fruition.