The post Trade Target: Red Wings’ Center Problem Needs Attention appeared first on Detroit Hockey Now.
Amadeus Lombardi
Arguably, the Detroit Red Wings possess the deepest pool of goaltending prospects in the NHL. In future considerations, the team is also well-stocked in defensive depth and shows a decent selection on the wings.
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It’s at the center position that the Red Wings find their organization needs the most attention.
At the NHL level, captain Dylan Larkin is entrenched as the No. 1 center. Beyond him, though, there’s nothing but question marks. Andrew Copp is a No. 3 center masquerading as the No. 2 center. We’re not quite sure where to slot JT Compher into the mix. Meanwhile, the Wings appear uncertain whether Marco Kasper is a center or a winger.
Emmitt Finnie is unlikely to play center regularly as an NHLer. He’s better suited for the wing. As for Mason Appleton and Michael Rasmussen, all we can say is yikes.
Red Wings Aren’t Growing Center Futures
Down on the farm, concerns continue to blossom. The jury is out on 2023 No. 1 draft pick Nate Danielson. He showed little offense in a 28-game audition with the Red Wings this season (2-5-7 totals). A hip ailment that sidelined Danielson for most of the second half of the season with the AHL Grand Rapids Griffins is also worrisome.
The elements that the Wings see lacking in Amadeus Lombardi’s overall game aren’t reaching a resolution.
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“I think there’s been some inconsistencies,” Griffins coach Dan Watson admitted. “And then we’d love to see him defend just a little bit harder.”
Ondrej Becher is playing as much on the wing as he has at center. It’s no wonder that the Red Wings were deciding to sign 2023 draftee Noah Dower-Nilsson to an entry-level contract.
Trading May Be Detroit’s Only Immediate Solution
In searching for immediate help down the middle, there’s little in the way of quality UFAs available this summer. The center stock was further depleted with Charlie Coyle opting to stay in Columbus.
Trading to fix a hole on the roster is always a difficult challenge. There are some centers out there that may be available, but at what price?
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Certainly, Detroit GM Steve Yzerman will be revisiting his attempt to acquire Vincent Trocheck from the New York Rangers. The cost for the seven-time 20-goal scorer proved too high for all suitors at the NHL trade deadline. However, the summer tends to be more of a buyer’s market. The price for Trocheck figures to come down as the demand for his services also diminishes.
Another name the Red Wings may choose to revisit is Nashville’s Steven Stamkos. They came close to signing him as a UFA in 2024. He hit 40 goals for the eighth time as an NHLer in 2025-26.
The price on Stamkos would be high, but with two years left on his pact and an AAV of $8 million, the Predators might be willing to move on from Stamkos.
Robert Thomas of the St. Louis Blues is another center often mentioned in trade rumors. At 26, his pricetag would also be massive, though.
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The post Trade Target: Red Wings’ Center Problem Needs Attention appeared first on Detroit Hockey Now.