Even if the NHL offseason pyrotechnics of 2024 are still a few weeks away—they typically begin around the draft and go until July 1st, when free agency officially begins we can already begin to map out the Detroit Red Wings’ priorities.
There are also a few notable ones. Although it might be argued that the Red Wings’ major defensive issue in 2023–24 was up front, the team defense needs to be improved, and that may involve bringing in a new defensive player. Detroit might be looking for a winger who can generate offense in the top six now that Patrick Kane is eligible to become a free agent. Furthermore, Detroit should generally become more difficult to play against.
Priorities will be set in this situation because the Red Wings may not be able to meet every requirement this summer, and they most likely will not be able to do so with players who are a perfect fit. For example, obtaining a true top-six winger could exclude obtaining a top-four defenseman, or vice versa. Even after signing Lucas Raymond and Moritz Seider to costly deals, Detroit should still have enough salary space to take care of at least some of these issues through trades or free agency.
In light of this, we rank the best trade and free-agent fits for each need today along with an additional draft match for the long term (which is primarily centered around Detroit is choice at No. 15).
Note that while goaltending will not be discussed in this piece, you may read this one on the market and how the Red Wings might slot in for additional information regarding that position.
Top-six winger
Kane, who joined the team in December and had almost a point per game last season, may be the only way the Red Wings can handle this one. The Red Wings will have a difficult time finding a replacement for Kane in the top six if he leaves in free agency in search of a longer contract. Maintaining veteran David Perron would be beneficial because he still scored 47 points the previous season and possesses exceptional skill down low. However, Perron’s status in the top six is uncertain, and even if he does, J.T. Compher’s opposite flank would benefit greatly from having a creative, puck-moving winger.
Top free-agent fit: Jonathan Marchessault (Evolving Hockey projection: three years at $6.9 million AAV)
Vegas will undoubtedly make a strong effort to hold onto Marchessault, and the Golden Knights typically manage to make ends meet. Marchessault, though, appears to be a perfect fit for the Red Wings this summer if he does reach free agency. Coming off a 42-goal (and 69-point) campaign, he would undoubtedly contribute to replacing Kane’s offensive output. Despite his diminutive 5-foot-9 frame, he has demonstrated that he is capable of scoring the hard-earned goals that playoff hockey demands.
Additionally, he has a history of strong defensive performance, which is crucial for a possible Compher linemate. His age of thirty-three may even work to his advantage, as it should limit the length of his term to something Detroit can afford. The main concerns are if he leaves Vegas and whether Detroit can withstand the demand for his services that would soon arise. Maybe Perron, his former teammate in Vegas, could help sell him?
Top trade fit: Trevor Zegras (signed through 2026 at $5.75 million AAV, then RFA)
Zegras appears to be the finest combination of age (23), experience (several 60-point seasons), and upside among the available alternatives on this year’s trade market. He would be viewed as a long-term investment and be the ideal age for Lucas Raymond and Moritz Seider, but he could also take Kane’s place as a playmaker. Although his pedigree would normally suggest otherwise, he might be more affordable following a disappointing season, and Ducks general manager Pat Verbeek’s knowledge with Detroit is farm system might make the Red Wings an attractive partner.
However, there is an opposite. For many years, Verbeek was Steve Yzerman’s right-hand man. If Verbeek is trying to leave the Zegras, Detroit may be concerned. Martin Necas of Carolina will be another well-known name, but two more hidden gems might be Cole Perfetti of Winnipeg (who missed the majority of the Jets playoff series) and Kaapo Kakko of the Rangers, who is still only 23 years old and has only scored 19 points this season but 40 the year before. Zegras is more suited for an instant top-six deployment than either, but both still have some potential for significant growth.
Top draft fit: Michael Brandsegg-Nygard, RW, Mora (Sweden)
In a somewhat deep draft, the Red Wings should really have a number of excellent alternatives to choose a potential top-six winger at No. 15. The most versatile player, in my opinion, is Brandsegg-Nygard, a 6-foot-1 winger with a big-time shot and amazing detail when playing, especially on the forecheck. It is not difficult to imagine his style being applied to postseason hockey in the future.
But there are other choices. Undersized Finnish center Konsta Helenius may drop to No. 15, and Detroit may choose to choose him as a winger or center. Michael Hage, a center in the USHL who ended fourth in scoring, possesses a very interesting combination of ability and skating. The best goal scorer in the draft might be Cole Eiserman. Though certainly not for next season, any of them may be Detroit is long-term top-six wingers. Igor Chernyshov, a winger from Russia, is big and strong enough to play a power game. And although Trevor Connelly might have the purest talent of anyone available at No. 15, he would face greater scrutiny.
Shutdown right-shot defenseman
The lone player on Detroit is expiring contract, Shayne Gostisbehere, will likely be back on the team next season. However, it does not imply there will not be any adjustments made. Getting a shutdown right-shot defenseman, ideally for the second pairing, would be the most significant move. This would assist slot Jeff Petry more advantageously on the third pair and relieve Seider of part of the tough-minute strain. Although they are not inexpensive, players of this caliber would significantly improve the composition of the position group as a whole.
Top free agent fit: Chris Tanev (Evolving Hockey projection: two years at $4.1 million AAV)
Tanev might fetch more on the open market (in terms of years and money) thanks to his strong playoff performance. However, he is 34 years old, and given that the $4.5 million AAV he received on his previous contract was the highest of his career, it is realistic to assume he may earn $5 million or less on his next contract. He embodies the ideal lockdown defender, and his influence in Dallas was evident. He will, however, have to wait in line, just like other free agents who fit this description, such Brett Pesce and Matt Roy.
Top trade fit: Connor Murphy (Signed through 2026 at $4.4 million AAV, then UFA)
The Chicago Blackhawks may decide to keep Murphy on staff to help develop their young players because this is not the most logical name, but Murphy could provide some lockdown flavor to the right side at a very affordable price for Detroit. Though the Blackhawks’ disastrous run over the past two seasons is probably to blame for the deterioration in his underlying defensive performance, the Red Wings would like to make sure the 31-year-old’s struggles are not just the result of aging.
A more ambitious alternative would be Jacob Trouba, with the Rangers keeping his salary. However, for Detroit to benefit, New York would probably have to keep at least $2 million of Trouba’s $8 million cap hit (and/or take back a contract in some other fashion).
Top draft fit: This is less of a draft need than the top-six winger place because of the right-shot aspect of it, which is more concerned with the short term than the long term. Detroit may still use more top-four predictions in their pipeline, as Stian Solberg (a Norwegian LHD) and Adam Jiricek (a Czech RHD) stand out as names that fall within their range. While Jiricek’s season ended early due to an injury sustained at the world juniors, Solberg, who played a significant role for Norway in the IIHF World Championship, is one of the biggest draft risers. Both players project as competitive, mobile shutdown defensemen in a top-four.
The farm system of the Red Wings boasts good depth on the blue line, but expectations for the top four are not the same as top-four potential. Because of this, even though it is not what I eventually predict, I believe that selecting a defender with the No. 15 choice would be a reasonable decision.
Bottom-six toughness
The Red Wings will focus on more than just the blue line (or in goal) in their quest to strengthen their team defense, and while toughness and defense are not usually synonymous, Detroit should try to address both in the same package. It would also be nice to cause some offense, even at the risk of appearing avaricious. These players will not be cheap, as you can expect that a large portion of the league will be searching for similar talents, especially after Florida made its second straight trip to the Stanley Cup Final. However, the Red Wings do require additional tenacity and inherent defense in their genetic makeup.
Top free agent fit: Dakota Joshua (Evolving Hockey projection: two years at $2.05 million AAV)
Let us start with the projection because I have a strong suspicion that Joshua will receive significantly more than this amount, both in terms of money and terms. Players that offer strong physical components and have performed well in the playoffs, like Joshua, tend to do that. It is feasible that those figures would double, in which case the Red Wings would be better off avoiding the situation. But adding one of the league’s most physically strong attackers, fresh off an 18-goal season (in 63 games), is quite alluring if Joshua could be had for about three years at $3 million per season. Given his 21% shooting percentage from the previous season, there will probably be some regression, but Joshua shown he
Top trade fit: Tanner Jeannot (Signed through 2025 at $2.655 million AAV)
Although Jeannot is more of a rental due to his one-year contract, he would undoubtedly provide toughness to the roster. Although he most likely will not score 24 goals in a season like he did in Nashville in 2021–2022, that campaign did demonstrate his production potential, which is undoubtedly more than his seven goals and 14 points in 55 games this season with Tampa Bay. Jeannot is a prime option to trade if the Lightning need to make room for Steven Stamkos, as he would provide a great physical presence on the forecheck.
Top draft fit: While I do not think Detroit will prioritize this at No. 15, if the Red Wings decide to revert to the first round, players like Yegor Surin, Jett Luchanko, Cole Beaudoin, and maybe Sam O’Reilly would be a good fit. Though possibly not quite as high as No. 15, they all have high-compete profiles that teams would enjoy. They might not prove to be quite as physical as Joshua and Jeannot.
(Photo of Jonathan Marchessault: Cooper Neill / Getty Images)
