The Detroit Red Wings have two top priorities this offseason: increase even-strength scoring and add a second-line center.
There are plenty of ways Detroit can solve this problem, whether it be through free agency, trades or promotion prospects. But few opportunities manifest themselves in an all-in-one solution. What if there was a way for the Red Wings to secure a long-term second-line center at an affordable rate who excels at even-strength scoring?
Enter Mavrik Bourque.
While some may have lofty goals for Jason Robertson, the likelihood of the Red Wings offer sheeting or putting a trade in for Robertson isn't very high. Were they to offer sheet Robertson, they'd likely need to fork over a multitude of first round picks.
The same can be said for a trade; several picks and prospects would serve as a suitable starting offer. Still, that's assuming the Stars want picks and prospects. Despite the team's early first-round exit, the Stars are a bona fide Cup contender. They're looking for NHL-ready talent, not potential players.
Bourque, on the other hand, can find his way to the Red Wings at a much cheaper rate while solving several problems at once.
How Mavrik Bourque can help the Red Wings
Bouque, who is listed as a center and winger on EliteProspects, had a breakout campaign this season, putting up 41 points in 82 games with the Dallas Stars. 36 of the 41 points he collected this season came at 5v5 -- an area Detroit desperately needs to improve. Bourque has been a jack-of-all-trades for the Stars, playing up and down the lineup wherever he's needed.
At 24 years of age, Bourque's best years of hockey are still ahead of him. This breakout campaign showed that he's more than capable of assuming a top-six role and can easily slot in anywhere in a lineup. He's also not shy when it comes to imposing himself physically, landing 78 hits in 2025-26 -- seventh on the Stars.
Mavrik Bourque scores his first career #StanleyCup Playoffs goal 🔥 pic.twitter.com/0JG5gup9mD
May 1, 2026He would've been fourth among all Red Wings in hits this season.
How the Red Wings can acquire Mavrik Bourque
As of right now, Bourque is a pending restricted free agent. That said, the Stars will have just $11 million in salary cap space this offseason and need to give star winger Jason Robertson a hefty pay raise. Barring a big trade, there's just no way the Stars can sign both Robertson and Bourque this offseason.
The Red Wings, on the other hand, have more than enough salary cap space at their disposal. They can easily make a trade or tender an offer sheet for Bourque, giving the versatile center the pay raise he deserves. The Red Wings should take notes from the St. Louis Blues, who used last offseason to acquire both Dylan Holloway and Philip Broberg.
If they play their cards right, the Red Wings can kill two birds with one stone by acquiring a young
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