The Detroit Red Wings could be poised to make roster changes this offseason as they continue their push for a playoff spot.
Whether or not they secure a postseason berth, Detroit is expected to seek upgrades, particularly down the middle. NHL analyst Michael DeRosa of NHLTradeRumors suggests that the Red Wings could target New York Islanders center in a trade this offseason.
“Adding depth at center should be a key focus for the Red Wings, and top star could be a strong fit in their middle six,” DeRosa noted. “He brings offensive contributions along with solid defensive play, and his two-way abilities make him a viable option on both the power play and penalty kill.”
He is currently in the fifth year of his six-year, $30 million contract with the Islanders, making him a potential one-year rental should Detroit acquire him. The 31-year-old would likely slot in as the Red Wings’ third-line center. So far this season, he has tallied 12 goals and 23 assists for 35 points over 63 games.
Red Wings GM Will Continue to Improve Team
The Detroit Red Wings are locked in a playoff race, but regardless of how the season ends, general manager Steve Yzerman plans to be aggressive during the offseason.
Yzerman reiterated his commitment to building a Stanley Cup contender in Detroit and expressed full responsibility for the team’s current position.
“I’m going to keep doing what I believe is best for the organization — whether it’s at the trade deadline, in the offseason, or at the draft,” Yzerman said. “I want to make the playoffs, and I want to bring a Stanley Cup back to Detroit just like everyone else in this city. I take full responsibility for where we are today, and my focus is making the right decisions for the team, both short-term and long-term.”
With the trade deadline behind them, Yzerman has shifted his attention to evaluating the team’s performance and determining offseason needs.
“It’s going to be a really exciting playoff push,” Yzerman added. “I think it will be a battle to the end, and I’m hoping we stay right in the fight for those Wild Card spots. The league is having a fantastic season, and the Eastern Conference is shaping up to be especially competitive.”
Currently, the Red Wings sit at 32-29-6, just two points shy of a playoff position.
Pageau Had Trade Interest
While Jean-Gabriel Pageau still has one year remaining on his current contract, his name did surface in trade talks leading up to the deadline.
According to Arthur Staple of The Athletic, the Islanders received interest in Pageau but ultimately chose to keep him on the roster.
“Once the Nelson deal was finalized late Thursday, attention turned to Friday,” Staple reported. “Would Lamoriello find a taker for Kyle Palmieri? What about Jean-Gabriel Pageau, who drew considerable interest in a market thin on centers?… In the end, Pageau and Lee stayed put, with Lamoriello declining all offers. ‘We never heard (Pageau’s) name once,’ said an executive from a team that was actively pursuing a center on deadline day.”