The Detroit Red Wings are quickly becoming one of the biggest surprises of the NHL season – and if their strong play continues, they could force general manager Steve Yzerman to accelerate his plans and hit the trade market sooner than expected.
After an opening night loss to Montreal, the Red Wings have posted wins against Toronto (twice), Florida, Tampa Bay and Edmonton – all legitimate playoff contenders. It’s still early and things could go wrong quickly, but the team seems to be playing with purpose and could pose a threat this season.
There has been a lot of anticipation among Detroit fans who were hoping that Yzerman would reveal his plan for this team to become a contender. The GM started making moves this offseason and perhaps some of his decisions are starting to pay off.
The Red Wings added veteran netminder John Gibson this summer to join goaltender Cam Talbot. Together they have been a solid duo, delivering performances that can strengthen the team’s identity. Young talent is starting to show that there is something in it. Emmett Finnie scored his first and second goals of the season against the Oilers on Sunday (also his first and second goals in the NHL). He’s a seventh-round pick and now it appears he could be a big part of the Red Wings’ top six.
Moritz Seider is the driver on the blue line. But Axel Sandin Pellikka, Albert Johansson and Jacob Bernard-Docker could become effective pieces. Not to mention, the Red Wings have some solid veterans in Dylan Larkin, Patrick Kane, Alex DeBrincat and Lucas Raymond.
Can the Red Wings add a big piece this season?
And this summer, there was talk that the Red Wings might have expressed interest in defenseman Erik Karlsson. Karlsson has started the season well in Pittsburgh and the Penguins region is likely open to drafting him before the trade deadline. The Red Wings have both the space and potential to make a deal work. A one-two punch of Seider and Karlsson on the Red Wings’ right side could be a dangerous combination.
If they can keep their momentum going, don’t be shocked if the Red Wings become one of the first serious buyers before the 2025 trade deadline.
Next: Are the Senators about to buy big on a Shane Pinto extension?
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