Austin Konenski
The Detroit Red Wings are sitting in the first Wild Card spot in the Eastern Conference ahead of the 2026 NHL trade deadline. After a fast start to the season, Detroit’s needs have shown more in the last two months. Now, with the trade deadline here, it is time for Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman to make some big moves.
Below, we dive into the five best trade targets for Detroit going into the 2026 NHL trade deadline!
Elias Pettersson, Vancouver Canucks
The Detroit Red Wings are aggressively pursuing Vancouver Canucks forward Elias Pettersson, and this move would make a lot of sense. Pettersson needs a change of scenery and Detroit has the resources to acquire him. If the Canucks forward can return to an 80-point player, this is a no-brainer for the Red Wings.
Robert Thomas, St. Louis Blues
The possibility of Robert Thomas being traded from the St. Louis Blues is rising, and Detroit should be on the phone. Thomas is still an 80-point caliber player, despite having a down year with injuries in St. Louis. If the Blues center is on the move, the Red Wings could be a fit with its cap space and assets.
Vincent Trocheck, New York Rangers
Vincent Trocheck is one of the best players on the NHL trade block and the Red Wings would love to acquire him. Trocheck is coming off an Olympic gold medal with Team USA, while producing at a high level for the New York Rangers. The organization is going through big changes, and the Rangers have a high asking price.
MacKenzie Weegar, Calgary Flames
The Red Wings need some help on defense, and MacKenzie Weegar would be an interesting fit. The Calgary Flames are not in playoff contention and Detroit has the cap space to take in Weegar’s $6.25 million cap hit. The Calgary defenseman is 32 years old with multiple years left on his contract, but he would help Detroit this season.
Justin Faulk, St. Louis Blues
Justin Faulk is 33 years old, but he is still a high-quality, reliable option to help the Red Wings defense. Faulk is having a strong year with St. Louis, and the trade package would be significant. If Detroit wants a top-4 option for its defense, the Blues defenseman would be an excellent acquisition at the right price.
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