The Detroit Red Wings could look to the Pacific Division and find, among other things, at least more organizational depth at goaltender. That’s something I haven’t discussed much of when talking about players they could’ve stolen from teams in the Central, Atlantic, and Metro Divisions.
That said, prepare to check out a few netminders below, including one familiar name whose presence on this list is not a joke. Really, there’s a method to the logic here, even if it sounds highly illogical. I’ll let you be the judge of that.
Anyway, I also included a couple of bruisers, plus a brewing late-bloomer to round out this list. You aren’t getting any game-changers here, but that doesn’t mean you won’t cross some intriguing names.
Ville Husso, Anaheim Ducks
No, this is not a joke. Listen, Ville Husso’s a seasoned veteran who should play on a reduced rate next season and beyond. And no, I wouldn’t sign him with the intent to play him anywhere else than Grand Rapids unless injuries strike. But that’s exactly why he’s on this list. If injuries hit the Red Wings crease hard, a familiar face would work well here.
Dan Vladar, Calgary Flames
Or, if the Wings could make a true upgrade, Dan Valdar wouldn’t be a bad name to call. Dustin Wolf owns the Flames net these days, with Devin Cooley factoring in as the backup. That makes Vladar, who posted two shutouts last season, expendable, and he would make a better option than Husso.
Trent Frederic, Edmonton Oilers
Trent Frederic has shown up for the Oilers in the playoffs, posting 62 hits in 17 games and doing what’s asked of him when he takes the occasional face-off. He’d be an absolute physical force on the lower lines, and he’s no stranger to putting up more points than he did this season. His production could sneak up on opponents if they’re not careful.
Tanner Jeannot, Los Angeles Kings
He’s one of the most feared hitters in hockey, and would single-handedly turn the Red Wings into a physical force. This is a player who once delivered 318 hits in a single season, and he had 211 in 67 games in 2024-25. He’s someone I’d welcome onto the fourth line in a heartbeat.
Alexandar Georgiev, San Jose Sharks
Yeah, another goaltender and one a lot of teams will probably stay away from. But, like Husso, Georgiev’s potential to sign larger, long-term contracts is over. If he’s not minding the net for a bad team next season, he could get most of his reps in the AHL as organizational depth.
Kaapo Kakko, Seattle Kraken
Yep, as always, I’m adding a restricted free agent here. Kaapo Kakko is another player who won’t break the bank, but following a successful stint with the Kraken, I would expect him to at least command more money and a longer contract than he otherwise would have if he were still struggling in New York.
Brock Boeser, Vancouver Canucks
Brock Boeser would fix any remaining woes that the Red Wings have in their top six in about two seconds. He’d complete a group that should have Dylan Larkin, Alex DeBrincat, Lucas Raymond, Marco Kasper, and Patrick Kane in it. And if he returns to being the 40-goal scorer he was in 2023-24, Boeser could turn the Wings back into a top-15 scoring unit.
Ilya Samsonov, Vegas Golden Knights
If the Red Wings were interested in getting younger in the crease, Ilya Samsonov would be a solid option. He only saw time in 29 games last season, but Samsonov notched two shutouts, a 2.82 GAA, and an 0.891 save percentage. That said, if the Wings don’t bring back Alex Lyon and are ticky-tacky on Petr Mrazek, Samsonov could be their guy.
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