Changes are coming to Detroit.
It is evident that Todd McLellan’s patience with certain members of the roster has worn thin, though he refrained from identifying any individuals explicitly—though those involved are likely well aware of their standing.
In the wake of Sunday’s 5–1 defeat to the Chicago Blackhawks, McLellan tacitly acknowledged that some players may face release or trade, underscoring the tenuous nature of their roles on the team.
The Silver Lining: Nate Danielson
Despite Detroit’s disappointing showing, there was a notable positive: Nate Danielson received the call to make his eagerly awaited NHL debut. Logging 15:16 of ice time, he delivered a commendable performance. McLellan indicated postgame that the outing served as a test, a measure to determine whether it might be the appropriate juncture to take action concerning certain unnamed members of the roster.
"We have been struggling offensively. Nate, had he not been hurt in Training Camp, I think he would have started with our team based on where he was when he did get injured,” McLellan told reporters. He worked hard to stay healthy, had an upper-body injury and was able to keep his legs going.
"That didn't go away, and he's had a pretty good start in Grand Rapids. We wanted to see him now so we can make some decisions, perhaps on some other players. For him, for his first game, I thought he did some real good things on the ice."
While Danielson didn’t get his name on the scoresheet, he was a factor on the ice as he had four shots on goal.
The captain himself, Dylan Larkin was impressed with how he was able to work through the nerves and get more comfortable as the game wore on.
"I thought he got more comfortable as the game went on. We know Danny well. He's been in the organization for a while. Big congratulations to him and his family, and something that's well deserved. When he came up and came into the lineup today, guys were happy for him. We know he's got skill and can skate."
Trade time?
The Red Wings possess a highly skilled roster, yet they remain in need of additional offensive depth. While the team features numerous capable players, success hinges on deploying four effective lines rather than relying on just two. Among the names circulating on the trade rumor mill is Alex Tuch of the Buffalo Sabres, a player previously highlighted as a potential acquisition.
The 29-year-old has compiled 14 points in 15 games this season, situating him on the verge of achieving a point-per-game pace, with six goals and eight assists. Should the Red Wings orchestrate a deal sending JT Compher and a couple first-rounders to Buffalo in exchange for Tuch, it could mark the beginning of a slew of trades to make this team better.