3 rugged defensemen the Red Wings need to add before the trade deadline

The Detroit Red Wings have propelled themselves firmly into a wild-card position with their stellar play in 2024. The Red Wings are a mere four points behind the Toronto Maple Leafs, who currently control the third position in the Atlantic Division. With the postseason now in reach, general manager Steve Yzerman should strongly consider adding at the deadline rather than subtracting for the first time as the GM in Detroit.

Although head coach Derek Lalonde recently mentioned ( a few weeks ago) that if the Red Wings were to become buyers ahead of the deadline, adding a versatile forward would be atop his wish list. Lalonde said he'd love to add one more two-way forward who can play center or the wing.

Even considering Lalonde's thoughts, I believe it's in Detroit's best interest to add a reliable defensive defenseman who plays not only a physical brand of hockey but someone who plays with an edge and can log second-pairing minutes. Detroit's third pairing of Shayne Gostisbehere and Olli Maatta has become a liability more often than not during five-on-five play, and Justin Holl, well, he doesn't appear to be in the current plans. If Yzerman could find a way to move Holl, even retaining 50% of his salary in any deal before the deadline, that would be a win in itself.

The Detroit Red Wings need to be in the conversation for Chris Tanev

I've mentioned Chris Tanev multiple times over the past couple of months, and despite Detroit not being directly linked to him (yet), this is the type of defender that Yzerman should have on his radar.

Chris Tanev, 34, is often described as a rugged, fearless, tough defender who excels playing as a defensive-minded defender who thrives when the going gets tough and has a willingness to block shots. He's worn an 'A' at multiple stops throughout his career and, by all accounts, is a tremendous teammate. When Tanev smiles, you don't see many teeth; that's the type of hockey player the Detroit Red Wings need to add before the postseason. On one of Jacob Markstrom's masks, he has Tanev's mouth displayed as a tribute to his shot-blocking success.

Like a host of Calgary Flames, Tanev finds himself at the center of most of the current trade talks as we head toward the March 8th trade deadline. He is in the final year of his four-year $18 million deal, and the Flames have been hoping to receive a first-round selection in return for his services.

In 55 games this season, Tanev has totaled one goal and 12 points and is a plus-13. He's averaging nearly 20 minutes of work per night while maintaining a respectful Corsi For Percentage of 49. Tanev has 169 blocks on the season, which would lead the Red Wings. Moritz Seider has amassed 139 to date. Tanev is a right-handed shot who could be immediately inserted in on Detroit's second pairing with Ben Chiarot in favor of Jeff Petry and make a very formidable second unit that could take on a lot of the challenging assignments moving forward, which also takes some of the pressure off Seider and Jake Walman.

The rebuilding Flames are looking to add players, not just draft capital. Since forward Jonatan Berggren reportedly turned down a contract extension, expect Yzerman to dangle his name out there regarding potential deals. Perhaps Berggren and a draft pick entice the Flames? At the very least, it should be a conversation starter.