We still have a few weeks before the NHL trade deadline, but the Detroit Red Wings have already been beaten to the punch on a few big moves. First, it was Quinn Hughes and then Artemi Panarin who were shipped off in deals that didn't end with them landing in Detroit.
Both of those players were on the Red Wings' radar, and the inability to reel in either one has put serious pressure on Steve Yzerman to figure something out. With Hughes, the Red Wings were apprehensive because they wanted the defenseman to sign a contract extension. As for Panarin, he had a full no-trade clause and only wanted to go to the Kings.
The Red Wings are close to breaking their playoff drought but need to make a trade to ensure they lock up one of the eight spots in the Eastern Conference. Reports have indicated that the Red Wings general manager is seeking a No. 2 center and a right-shot defenseman, both of whom are under contract beyond this season.
Given that information, here are three players Yzerman and the Rangers should target at the trade deadline.
3. Vincent Trocheck, C, Rangers
One player who fits the bill as a second-line center under contract beyond this season for the Red Wings is Vincent Trocheck of the Rangers. New York may not have gotten the premium return that it had been hoping for in the Panarin trade, but its best chance of getting one is by moving on from Trocheck.
The Red Wings need a second line center, and Trocheck fits what they are looking for. He may not have the scoring production that fans would like, but he makes up for it with his defensive play and mots importantly, his ability to win face-offs. In his career, Trocheck has a career face-off win percentage of 54.2.
Trocheck checks the box for Yzerman, as he's under contract through the 2028-29 season at a $5.6 million per year. That is a good bargain for the Red Wings. Not to mention, Trocheck could slot in to play alongside Patrick Kane and Alex DeBrincat. That's a way better situation for him than what the Rangers currently have in their top six forwards group.
if the Red Wings want to check off a major item off their wishlist, then trading for Trocheck would help with that.
2. Justin Faulk, RD, Blues
The next position of need for the Red Wings is a right shot defenseman with term. Unfortunately for the Red Wings, there aren't many available. The likes of Luke Schenn, Andrew Peeke and Connor Murphy are all set to be free agents this summer, so they are likely off the board for Yzerman. Dougie Hamilton is one right shot defenseman under contract, but he may not provide the defensive ability they are looking for.
Perhaps the best option that fits the bill for Yzerman is Justin Faulk of the St. Louis Blues.
The top defensive pairing is set, especially on the right side with Moritz Seider. But the Red Wings need to add some more stability on the second pairing. Faulk would provide just that, as he not only is stout defensively but he can produce on offense. In St. Louis, Faulk is on the top power play unit and the second penalty kill unit.
This season, Faulk has 11 goals and 19 assists to his credit through 57 games, putting him on pace for his most productive season since the 2022-23 campaign (50 points). Additionally, Faulk recorded 97 blocked shots, 44 hits, 19 takeaways, 48 giveaways, and a -3 plus/minus rating.
Faulk is a more steady option on defense for the Red Wings than Hamilton.
1. Elias Pettersson, C, Canucks
It's hard to see Yzerman and Red Wings go for an absolute blockbuster of a trade, but what if they truly want to make a splash to ensure they don't go another year of missing the playoffs. Sure, the Red Wings want a second-line center, but what if they got a No. 1 center in Elias Pettersson? They have been linked to the Vancouver Canucks center, after all.
Look, Pettersson has been through a rough patch as of late, and yes, he was engulfed in the drama surrounding former Canucks teammate J.T. Miller. But with his track record, it wouldn't hurt to take a chance on him.
Pettersson is a multi-time NHL All-Star, and showcased that he can be a consistent, productive scorer. Look no further than the 2022-23 season, where he put up 102 points (39 goals, 63 assists). His production dropped off drastically last year and this year. Last season, Pettersson put up 45 points in 64 games. This year, through 49 games, Pettersson has 34 points.
The Canucks are in firm rebuild mode, and moving on from Pettersson would help them bring in the young talent they are seeking. There may have to be some middle ground, as Pettersson is under contract through the 2031-32 season and is owed $11.6 million per year. To take on that contract, at least most of it, the Canucks can't feasibly ask for too much in return. But since the Red Wings do boast plenty of young talent, they should be able to get something done.
Look, it's not exactly a feasible option for the Red Wings, but if they want to make it out of the competitive Atlantic Division, they may have to make a splash. Plus, Pettersson would have plenty of better pieces to work alongside, better than in Vancouver.