If the Detroit Red Wings want to trade for a proven, top-six forward, there's one clever way they can get this done in 2025-26. Maybe even before the season begins.
For this trade, we're not looking at just any top-six forward out there. Instead, it's a specific type of player, one who will be an unrestricted free agent in 2026. See, teams that are still in rebuilding or entering retooling mode could be looking to shed some of their cap before the season begins, or early on.
They know they won't be competitive this year, or they know they're going to get some serious value by trading a player early on. This could entice Steve Yzerman to do something as opposed to choosing between a high-end prospect, Jonatan Berggren, Elmer Soderblom, or Carter Mazur to sidle into the top six.
It also lets him bypass a veteran player, like James van Riemsdyk and/or Mason Appleton, or forcing coaches to continually gamify who'll be in the top six. And by that, I mean trying someone new until there's traction involved.
The Detroit Red Wings could still trade for a player slated to be an unrestricted free agent in 2026
I also don't want to limit this to forwards, as the same could go for a first or second-pairing blueliner. Plus, chances are, the Wings will have more than enough cap space to ink that player to an extension once they're traded to Hockeytown.
So, what kind of player are we looking at? I won't name any names, but think of someone who will A, be an unrestricted free agent in 2026, B, is playing for a team that doesn't plan on contending in 2025-26, and C, wants to get a long-term deal done before he's slated to be a free agent.
As for the potential trading partner? They'd rather trade that player away and get something out of them as opposed to letting them walk in free agency and get nothing.
This would be a win for both sides. The Wings would acquire a player who can be a long-term fixture, and one who should help them contend starting this season. As for the non-contender? They're getting compensation, likely futures, that will help them keep building their pipeline.
Overall, the Red Wings would solidify their top six or top four in 2025-26, and they'll immediately gain more respect around the league. So, let's see if Yzerman's interested in scouring who's slated to be on the market come July 2026, and if he works the phones later this summer to get them in here in 2025.
If he does, it'll be a major win for this team's outlook. If not, then he and head coach Todd McLellan will be facing some tough decisions of who to put onto the top six, or the top four.
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