The clock is ticking, and the Detroit Red Wings aren’t exactly looking like frontrunners in the NHL trade sweepstakes. As Friday’s 3 p.m. ET NHL trade deadline nears, the only addition the Wings have made is to bring former Detroit forward David Perron back into the fold.

There’s been plenty of other names linked to Detroit, but it’s always wise to take these rumors with a grain of salt. Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman isn’t known to share his thoughts on personnel moves with many outside of his closest advisors.

Still, as the deadline looms, let’s look at some of the players out there and whether the Red Wings might be in on any of them.

Defensemen Linked To Red Wings

Already, it appears that two defensemen linked to Detroit are going elsewhere. Tyler Myers landed in Dallas, while there are reports of a pending deal that will send Logan Stanley and Luke Schenn from Winnipeg to Buffalo.

There are other rearguards that the rumor mill is connecting to Detroit.

Justin Faulk, St. Louis Blues

Why It Makes Sense: It’s no secret that the Wings’ brass has coveted Faulk for a few years. It’s understandable. He’s a right-shot defender who has 11 goals and 32 points this season. Faulk can get the job done at both ends of the ice and can play on the power play and the penalty kill.

Why It Won’t Happen: Faulk has a modified 15-team no-movement clause in his contract, so he’ll get to pick his destination to a certain extent. Along with the Wings, Boston and Montreal are other Atlantic Division teams that could be in on the Faulk bidding. The Blues want a top prospect and a first-round pick to be included in any package for Faulk.

Oliver Ekman-Larsson, Toronto Maple Leafs

Why It Makes Sense: A prominent NHL source told DHN that he’s confident that Ekman-Larsson will end up with the Red Wings. He’s an excellent puck possession blueliner. He’ll fit right in with the team’s other Swedes.

Elliotte Friedman: Oliver Ekman-Larsson, I’ve heard that it’s been teams like maybe Boston or Detroit have been among the teams – NHL Now (3/4)

— NHL Rumour Report (@NHLRumourReport) March 5, 2026

Detroit has enjoyed plenty of success acquiring defensemen from the Leafs. Larry Murphy and Jame Macoun played roles in the Red Wings’ Stanley Cup runs after being picked up from Toronto.

Why It Won’t Happen: Ekman-Larsson is a left-shot defender. Detroit is seeking a right-shot rearguard. If Ekman-Larsson were to play in the second pairing, either he or Ben Chiarot would need to play on their off side.

Rasmus Ristolainen, Philadelphia Flyers

Why It Makes Sense: He’s a right-shot defender, which is what Detroit wants. Ristolainen turned a lot of heads with his solid play for Finland at the Olympics. The Flyers want a first-round pick and a prospect for Ristolainen. That seems doable for the Wings, depending upon which prospect Philly is willing to take. He’s got another year left on his contract, which should suit Yzerman. He’s not fond of paying high prices for rentals.

Why It Won’t Happen: A half-dozen teams are showing serious interest in Ristolainen. That could drive the price up and drive the Wings out of the market.

Forwards Linked To Red Wings

The Red Wings need more scoring and want a top-six forward, preferably a center. Perron doesn’t fill either of those latter needs, but these guys might.

Elias Pettersson, Vancouver Canucks

Why It Makes Sense: Pettersson is a sensational talent who would definitely fill Detroit’s need for a top-six forward who can score and create offense.

Why It Won’t Happen: To put it bluntly, Pettersson has had his issues with teammates in Vancouver. He doesn’t seem to fit the mold of the type of player Yzerman likes. Stevie Y puts a high value on character. And if you’ve been following the Pettersson rumors, all the noise about Detroit is coming from Vancouver sources. There’s a feeling around the league that the Canucks are drumming up a lot of that talk from within the organization.

Robert Thomas, St. Louis Blues

Why It Makes Sense: Still only 26, Thomas is a fine playmaker who’d be an ideal fit between Alex DeBrincat and Patrick Kane. He’s the best player out there who is definitely available.

Why It Won’t Happen: The Blues are seeking a king’s ransom for Thomas. They are looking for a mix of first-round picks, high-end prospects, and roster players similar to the package Vancouver got from Minnesota for Quinn Hughes.

Vincent Trocheck, New York Rangers

Why It Makes Sense: Strong in the faceoff circle and an excellent penalty killer, Trocheck also offers enough of an offensive upside to work as a No. 2 center.

Elliotte Friedman on TNT;

Believes Red Wings are in on Trocheck, and Robert Thomas 👀#LGRW

— Joe Chapp (@JCSportsDetroit) March 1, 2026

A member of the gold medal-winning US Olympic team, Trocheck has made it clear he wants to move within the East. This will enable him to stay close to family. He played junior hockey in Michigan.

Why It Won’t Happen: The Minnesota Wild are reportedly hot on the trail of Trocheck. He might see that club as a more legitimate Stanley Cup hope than Detroit.