The Detroit Red Wings are going to be a team to watch incredibly closely this off-season. After a major collapse down the stretch that caused them to extend their playoff drought to 10 years, the Red Wings should be aggressively looking to upgrade their roster this summer.
The Red Wings have multiple roster needs that they should be aiming to address during the offseason. Their biggest need, however, is another top-six center. While Andrew Copp had a solid 2025-26 season, the Red Wings should be looking to upgrade their second-line center spot.
When looking at trade candidates around the NHL, New Jersey Devils star center Nico Hischier stands out as a perfect potential target for the Red Wings. Hischier has begun to create some speculation as a trade candidate, as he enters the final season of his seven-year, $50.75 million contract in 2026-27. If extension talks do not go well between Hischier and the Devils this summer, it is certainly possible that New Jersey could make him available for trade.
There have been rumors regarding Hischier to Detroit for some time, with NHL analyst JFresh proposing a blockbuster trade involving Hischier and Dylan Larkin earlier in the offseason.
If Hischier does end up being shopped by the Devils, he is exactly the kind of center that the Red Wings should be targeting. The 2017 first-overall pick is one of the top two-way centers in hockey, and he is coming off another strong season. In 82 games this season with New Jersey, he had 28 goals and 66 points. With numbers like these, he would be a significant pickup for a Red Wings club looking to take that next step.
Where Nico Hischier would fit in the Red Wings' lineup if successfully acquired
When looking at the Red Wings' current roster, Hischier could fit perfectly on their second line with Alex DeBrincat and pending unrestricted free agent (UFA) Patrick Kane, assuming the 38-year-old winger re-signs with Detroit. Hischier's all-around skill and strong play could make him plenty of success playing with two very skilled wingers like Kane and DeBrincat.
Additionally, Hischier could also be a realistic option for the Red Wings' first-line center spot if they wanted to play him with Lucas Raymond. Whether Hischier plays on the Red Wings' first or second line, his presence would greatly improve Detroit's top-six across the board.
Hischier's excellent two-way play would also make him an obvious choice for both the Red Wings' penalty kill and power play. With this, he would have the potential to be a major part of the Red Wings' roster if acquired.
Ultimately, with the Red Wings needing another star center, Hischier is a player they should strongly consider pursuing this summer. It will be interesting to see if they can land him from New Jersey.
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