The 2026 NHL Entry Draft begins tomorrow, and, barring a crazy move, the Detroit Red Wings will have to wait until pick number 47 to make a selection.
That said, there's no guarantee Day 1 of the draft will be a quiet one in Hockeytown.
A multitude of insiders have repeatedly made the claim that soon-to-be-former captain Dylan Larkin could be traded as soon as the draft. Given the events of the last few days, it seems prudent that the Red Wings pursue any lead they can in order to trade their maligned ex-leader.
If only the Red Wings weren't so tight-lipped, we'd have a better idea on what their plans are over the next few days. Perhaps it's better they remain silent -- after all, a good poker player never shows his hand.
The Red Wings made two moves yesterday, re-signing William Wallinder and trading prospect Amadeus Lombardi. It's highly unlikely that this is the last move general manager Steve Yzerman makes over the coming days.
If this week's chaos is any indication, the next 72 hours could be interesting for the Red Wings. Here are three possible scenarios that could happen for the Red Wings today:
Scenario 1: The Red Wings trade their way into the first round
Over the last week, eight first round picks have been moved. Teams have gone up and down the draft order, adding and subtracting to hopefully find the right guy at the draft. The Red Wings could certainly get in on the action tonight. If the Wings see the guy they want, they might trade anything from their soon-to-be-ex captain to a future pick to make that dream a reality.
If history is any precedent, it isn't out of the realm of possibility. Just a few years ago, Yzerman traded up to land Sebastian Cossa. Could we see a repeat perfromance tonight? Well, it depends on who's still available on the draft board by the time Yzerman just can't say no anymore.
Scenario 2: The Red Wings finally trade Dylan Larkin
In what might be the most anticipated move of the offseason, the Red Wings could absolutely trade away their soon-to-be-former captain for a haul. This, of course, would require three factors: a desperate team, a willing partner in the Red Wings and the consent of Larkin, who has a full no trade clause.
As of right now, the top team Larkin is interested in joining is the Dallas Stars. If insiders are to be believed, the interest appears to be mutual. As of right now, the Stars aren't picking until the 59th pick in this draft. That said, they do have their first round pick next season. Perhaps the Red Wings make a deal with Dallas when the time is right.
Scenario 3: The Red Wings trade Sebsatian Cossa
The Red Wings' top goaltending prospect has been the talk of countless rumors over the last few weeks. NHL insider Frank Seravalli is adamant that Cossa's time in Detroit is up and that he will inevitably be moved. If he's moved, which teams could find his services useful? And - more importantly - what could the Red Wings hope to recoup in return?
The Utah Mammoth are one team ready to acquire Cossa at a moment's notice. Other teams in desperate need of goaltending include the Edmonton Oilers and the Florida Panthers. Whether or not they trade with the Red Wings entirely depends on what assets they're willing to part ways with.
Day 1 of the 2026 NHL Entry Draft begins tonight at 7 p.m. EST.
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