3 under-the-radar trades that could launch the Red Wings into the playoffs

Blockbuster trades are a common theme in Detroit, but the Red Wings could also make under-the-radar moves to land themselves a playoff berth.

Feb 18, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Arizona Coyotes defenseman Matt Dumba (24) breaks his stick on
Feb 18, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Arizona Coyotes defenseman Matt Dumba (24) breaks his stick on | Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
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Marc-Andre Fleury shouldn’t mind potentially ending his career in Detroit

Ideally, this team would trade away Ville Husso, who needs a fresh start following what has been more than an underperforming stint so far. But with a no-trade clause in place, there is a chance a team like the Minnesota Wild are on his list. However, even if the Red Wings were forced to keep Husso around, it shouldn’t deter them from looking to acquire a goaltender. 

Husso, along with James Reimer, are not players a team like Detroit needs to rely on in the net if they continue playing the way they have down the stretch. While Alex Lyon has settled in as the top goaltender, there is still the issue of whether it would be smart to fully trust him in the postseason, given his meager four games of experience playing playoff hockey. 

Someone like Marc-Andre Fleury could be the answer for Detroit, as the 39-year-old is still not just productive, but with 27 games in the crease so far in 2023-24, it’s also clear he’s able to string together a few starts in a row. Fleury would be an immediate upgrade over Husso and Reimer, and would provide relief and veteran leadership for Lyon during the latter portions of the season. 

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