Last season, Detroit Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman received plenty of flak, especially from team captain Dylan Larkin, for not making any trades to improve the team's playoff odds, and they ultimately missed out on the postseason. Now, it appears that Yzerman has an "Yzer-plan" for the trade deadline.
TSN NHL insider Darren Dreger appeared on Insider Trading to discuss the latest news ahead of the trade deadline. When discussing what the Red Wings can do at the deadline, Dreger says that they are looking for a second line center and a right-shot defenseman. The catch? Yzerman wants both of those players to have term on their contracts.
"They are looking for for a No. 2 center, a player with term, and preferably, a right-shot defenseman, again, with term. When you look at what Detroit might be willing to part with, have a look at their draft list. They've got a number of juicy picks that could be in play," said Dreger.
Red Wings seeking No. 2 center and right-shot defenseman at trade deadline
Given that Yzerman wants to bring in a center and a right-shot defenseman who are under contract past this season means that the asking prices are only going to be higher. There aren't many superstars available at the trade deadline, let alone those who are under contract beyond this season.
But as Dreger mentions, the Red Wings do have draft picks that are at their disposal. The only draft picks they don't own are their 2026 fourth-round pick and a 2027 second-round pick over the next four years. That will make trade negotiations a bit easier for Yzerman, especially if he wants players with term.
There are some centers that fit what Yzerman is looking for. Nazem Kadri is under contract for three more seasons at $7 million per year with the Calgary Flames. Vincent Trocheck of the New York Rangers is under contract through the 2028-29 season. Elias Pettersson is under contract for the long haul with the rebuilding Vancouver Canucks, but at a $11.6 million cap hit annually through the 2031-32 season.
As for right shot defensemen, Dougie Hamilton of the New Jersey Devils fits the bill, but he has a full no-trade clause, along with a $9 million annual salary through the 2027-28 season. Justin Faulk of the St. Louis Blues is under contract through next season at a $6.5 million cap hit.
It will be up to Yzerman to determine how much he is willing to give away to bring in his two positions of need. There are options for him to explore to ensure the Red Wings stand a strong chance of not only making the playoffs, but also contending for the Stanley Cup.