Detroit needs some help up front. There aren’t enough goals in this team to get them into the playoffs on paper. However, unlike past seasons, Yzerman has a chance to nip this in the bud before it becomes a bigger problem. With the league being so tight right now, there are very few sellers. However, there are likely some teams that could be looking for a roster shake-up. Today, I’m going over some players whose teams may make available to give their team a new look.
Detroit Receives: Pavel Buchnevich, 2027 3rd round pick
St. Louis Receives: 2025 1st round pick* (top 10 protected)
Buchnevich just inked a huge $8M/6 deal at age 30. Simply put, this deal looked high when they signed it, and it looks high even now as Buchnevich is struggling out of the gate with only 2 goals in 16 games. If the Blues see themselves getting any value out of Buchnevich, it’s best to trade him while he still has value. For Detroit, you’re betting on the change of scenery being what brings Buchnevich back to 50-60 point form. The 6’1″ left winger would be the top 6 fixture that the Red Wings have needed for a few years, assuming he can return to form.
Detroit Receives: Jonathan Marchessault, 2025 6th round pick
Nashville Receives: Andrew Copp (50% retained), Elmer Soderblom, 2025 2nd round pick
Surely the veteran experiment in Nashville is over by now. I’d imagine Stamkos and Marchessault are options Nashville is looking to trade. Their centre depth is so shallow that Andrew Copp would become their 2C, and for less than 3M dollars, that’s not a bad deal. Soderblom and Lombardi give them the chance to take a chance on some young, NHL ready talent while they commit to the rebuild. Marchessault would give Detroit some winning experience as well as a huge boost to the middle six, despite his struggling start.
Connor McMichael (#24) celebrating with Capitals teammates | (Photo: Getty Images)
Detroit Receives: Connor McMichael
Washington Receives: Emmitt Finnie, Jonathan Berggren, 2026 2nd round pick
This is where things get weird. Detroit gives up one of their rookies and one of their depth scorers for a player who embodies the Yzerman type. McMichael skates and competes hard, he’s only 24 and just last season scored 26 with 22 at even strength. He feels like he is cut from the same cloth as Anthony Cirelli. He can play legitimately any spot in the top 9 and be effective. With Nate Danielson coming up, Detroit’s lines are going to be constantly changing. Having a guy who can be effective anywhere while having a legitimate scoring touch is something that would be very welcome to this lineup.
Detroit Receives: Jack Quinn, 2026 2nd round pick
Buffalo Receives: J.T. Compher (40% retained), Amadeus Lombardi, 2026 3rd round pick
This one really only works in the now. Buffalo is unbelievably shorthanded right now. Buffalo is desperate for some centre depth, and Compher at a reduced deal would become their 1C right away. Lombardi would become an NHL-ready centre prospect. They can give him some runway while they get healthy. Detroit receives Quinn, the often-injured playmaking winger who has shown glimpses of being a really solid NHL producer. Detroit also gets the better of the picks as they are ultimately giving up two sure things for one risk.
More to Read:
Discover more from Inside The Rink
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.