Whether the Detroit Red Wings’ interest in Artemi Panarin was minimal or quite serious didn’t matter because Panarin’s no-trade clause allowed him to go where he wanted to go. It wasn’t Detroit.

But watching the point-per-game scorer land with Ken Holland’s Los Angeles Kings is a reminder that a top four defensemen isn’t Detroit’s only need. Even if it isn’t a center, the Red Wings could use another scorer. The Red Wings last five games, including Thursday’s 4-1 loss to Utah, highlighted the need for an offensive booster shot.

Averaging 2.97 goals per game, the 20th-ranked Red Wings offense is a below average group. But the more telling statistic is a 27th ranking in five-on-five goals. They have 99 in 58 games. That’s an average of 1.7 even-strength goals per game. You can’t, and shouldn’t, win many games with a scoring rate of 1.7 five-on-five goals per game. But they have been saved this season by one of the NHL’s top power play groups and stellar John Gibson goaltending.

But with the power play in a 2-for-23 (8.6%) slump heading into the Olympic break, the five-on-five problem now looks frightening. The Red Wings only scored seven goals in the final five games before the break and lost four of them. They need another proven scorer for their top six, or even to play on the third line to make it more dangerous. The Red Wings have to do more than help the defense.

Red Wings In Case You Missed It

Detroit 30-goal scorer Alex DeBrincat also leads the NHL in missed shots.

Defenseman Olli Maatta isn’t finding the love in Utah he had in Detroit.

Former Detroit puck-moving defenseman James Morrison is dead at 94. Played on a pairing with Red Kelly

Red Wings Extra

Former Detroit player Riley Barber (2021-22) is still second in the German League (DEL) scoring race with 27 goals and 29 assists for 56 points in 44 games. Another ex-Red Wing Taro Hirose is seventh with 47 points. Another former Detroit player Austin Czarnik is seventh in the Swiss League scoring race with 14 goals and 27 assists for 41 points in 45 games.

Hockey Now Digest

Florida: Brad Marchand returned to the Florida lineup and of course the Panthers beat the Boston Bruins. Florida Panthers. 

New Jersey: The Devils added Nick Bjugstad from the St. Louis Blues as a depth center. New Jersey Devils. 

Pittsburgh: Penguins defenseman Caleb Jones was suspended 20 games for testing positive for a performance enhancing substance. Pittsburgh Penguins.