The Red Wings need reinforcements if they want to capitalize on their coaching change from a few months ago. While they’ve improved, their recent inconsistency is a concern, making it crucial to address roster gaps before the March 7 trade deadline.
Detroit could stay the course and hope for a turnaround, but given their up-and-down play, adding a rental or two seems like the smarter approach. A few cost-effective, short-term additions could help stabilize their lineup without requiring a major sacrifice of assets.
None of the following potential trade targets are stars like Mikko Rantanen, but they are all solid, reliable players who have performed well despite playing for struggling teams. If they land in Detroit, they’d likely be energized by a chance to contribute to a playoff push.
So, who should general manager Steve Yzerman target in exchange for draft capital, a player, or mid-tier prospects? Here are a few names worth considering.
Ryan Donato, Blackhawks
Ryan Donato might be the most intriguing name on this list, as he’s having a breakout season despite past inconsistencies. With a career-high 43 points and 21 goals, he has proven he can contribute offensively and has even worked his way into a top-six role at times, averaging 15:22 of ice time per game.
One theme throughout this discussion is physicality—an area where the Red Wings need more consistency. While they showed flashes of it in their chaotic matchup against the Columbus Blue Jackets, they haven’t sustained that intensity. Donato could help in that regard, bringing a reliable physical presence to the lineup.
Like the next player on this list, Donato is a high-energy competitor who would likely thrive in a winning environment. After spending the last two seasons with a team outside the playoff picture, a change of scenery—combined with his newfound offensive production—could elevate his game even further.
The big question is: What would it take to acquire him? Given that Donato is in the midst of his best season and is still just 28 years old, his price may rise. However, a mid-round draft pick and a high-upside prospect could be enough to bring him to Detroit.
Jake Evans, Canadiens
Jake Evans is another intriguing trade target, offering a mix of growing offensive production and physicality. While he has never been a high-scoring forward, Evans is on pace for career highs in both points and goals this season. With just two more goals, he’ll surpass his previous best, bringing him to 12 goals and 28 points on the year.
However, it’s not just his offensive numbers that make him a good fit for the Red Wings. Evans brings a strong physical presence, already registering 91 hits this season, and he’s a reliable faceoff option, winning 52.4% of his draws. Detroit could certainly use that combination of grit and reliability at center as they push for the playoffs.
Coming from a rebuilding Canadiens team, Evans would likely embrace the opportunity to join a squad fighting to end its postseason drought. A change of scenery, coupled with a more competitive environment, could push his game to another level.
In terms of cost, Evans would likely fetch a similar return as Ryan Donato—a mid-round draft pick and a high-upside prospect. If the Red Wings are looking to add both skill and physicality before the deadline, Evans could be a strong, under-the-radar acquisition.
Matt Grzelcyk, Penguins
Adding a two-way defenseman would be a smart move for the Red Wings, and Matt Grzelcyk stands out as an underrated option. While he has never eclipsed 30 points in a season before, he’s on pace to break that mark this year. With just one goal but an impressive 29 assists, he’s proving to be an effective playmaker from the blue line.
Beyond his offensive contributions, Grzelcyk brings something invaluable—playoff experience. He has suited up for 66 postseason games, with the bulk of those (54) coming between 2018 and 2021. Though his playoff appearances have slowed in recent years, that kind of experience would be a major asset for a Detroit team looking to make a serious push.
While he’s not the flashiest name on the market, Grzelcyk’s strong passing ability and veteran presence make him an appealing target. Best of all, Steve Yzerman likely wouldn’t have to part with more than a mid-round draft pick to land him. For a team in need of blue-line depth and playoff-tested players, that’s a price well worth considering.