If the Detroit Red Wings hang onto a playoff spot down the stretch, the most important factor will be a Steve Yzerman trade acquisition.

We are not talking Justin Faulk or David Perron, even though they will help.

The Yzerman deal last summer to bring goalie John Gibson to Detroit for Petr Mrazek and two draft picks (second and fourth rounder) seems like the NHL trade of the year. It certain helped the Red Wings more than the majority of NHL Trade Deadlines deals are helping their clubs

“I don’t know if you can quantify it,” Detroit coach Todd McLellan about his contributions. “I don’t know if you could put a number on how big it is, but you can just feel it.”

Where would we be w/o John Gibson. #lgrw pic.twitter.com/9ZloJKkRob

— and I never slice. (@bushwood_c) March 16, 2026

Gibson posted 25 saves, including halting a breakaway in the opening moments, to help Detroit down the Calgary Flames 5-2 for an important home win. Every game is now important for a Red Wings team trying to avoid missing the postseason for the 10th consecutive season.  Gibson’s play is the primary reason the Red Wings are still in a favorable playoff position. He’s 25-15-3 with a 2.56 GAA and .906. The Pittsburgh native is in the Vezina conversation. Since Dec. 2 vs. Boston, he is 21-8-2 with a 2.15 GAA and .922 save percentage.

  “Gibby does have that swagger,” McLellan said . “. . . When he comes to the bench during the timeouts and he’s in total control and command of the game and he sees things that the forwards and (defensemen) need for reminders. He’s barking and they’re listening. And once that started, his game really started to go. It’s still like that and it’s huge. You have to have goaltending at this time of the year.”

Red Wings In Case You Missed It

The Alex DeBrincat-Patrick Kane chemistry is crucial to the Red Wings’ hope of being back in the playoffs for the first time in a decade. Kane netted two goals Monday and DeBrincat  contributed three assists.

Swedish prospect Eddie Genborg will be suiting up for the Grand Rapids Griffins later in the week.

Detroit goalie prospect Trey Augustine is now readying himself for the NCAA tournament after being knocked out of the Big 10 tournament.

Red Wings Extra

Now with nine goals, Moritz Seider has a chance to become the third German defenseman in NHL history to record 10-or-more goals in a single season, joining Christian Ehrhoff (3 times) and former Detroit player Uwe Krupp (12 in 1990-91).

Hockey Now Digest

New Jersey: Jack Hughes set a Devils record with an overtime goal in win against the Boston Bruins. The Red Wings are more than thankful for that result. New Jersey Devils

Pittsburgh: Evgeni Malkin sounds optimistic about landing a new deal with the Pittsburgh Penguins, 

Vegas: Captain Mark Stone’s presence has been a morale booster for the Vegas Golden Knights.