Things are quickly getting out of hand throughout the NHL. The Detroit Red Wings are one of only a handful of teams that haven't made a move this season. This, coupled with the extremely tight playoff race in the Atlantic division, has put quite a bit of pressure on general manager Steve Yzerman. To make matters worse, division rivals are making moves to measurably improve their rosters.
The Montreal Canadiens already acquired Phillip Danault earlier this season. If rumors are any indication, they're in the process of pushing for Robert Thomas of the St. Louis Blues. While the paperwork hasn't been sorted just yet, the Buffalo Sabres made a serious offer for Colton Parayko (who also happens to be on the Blues). While some teams like the Toronto Maple Leafs and Florida Panthers have already accepted their role as sellers, others are still fighting for their lives for a ticket to the post season.
The Red Wings are quickly getting painted into a corner. If they don't act - and fast - they run the risk of missing out on serious talent.
The shortlist grows shorter
In the last 48 hours alone, we've seen defensemen MacKenzie Weegar, Connor Murphy and Tyler Myers traded away. Out of the 15 defensemen mentioned on TSN's trade board, three are already off the board. While players like Dougie Hamilton and Zach Whitecloud are still on the list, there are multiple reports that indicate that one (or both) of these players may not be moved at all.
The name that's been linked most frequently to Detroit is Finnish defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen. Having said that, the Flyers are asking for quite a bit in return. Flyers general manager Danny Briere is reportedly "not budging" on their ask for a first round pick and prospect. If the Red Wings hope to acquire a major difference-maker this deadline, it's hard to imagine an often-injured defenseman with just six points on the season is the answer.
Time for the Red Wings to put up or shut up
If the Red Wings are serious about making the playoffs this season, the need to acquire a difference-maker is more dire than ever. Last season, Yzerman mentioned that his priority is to do what's best for the team. At this point in time, the Red Wings are squarely in the playoff race, sitting third in the Atlantic with 77 points. With that said, however, they're just four points away from the outside looking in on the wild card, with Montreal and Boston two and four points behind them, respectively.
There comes a time where a front office has to show they believe in their team. That time is now. The team looks engaged and energized. They're measurably improved from last season. While the rest of the division improves, now, more than ever, the Red Wings must make a major trade.