The Detroit Red Wings need to make a big splash during the 2026 NHL offseason. Following the 2025-26 NHL season, Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman said the organization needs better players to make the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Now, a prominent NHL insider is throwing more gas on the fire for Detroit.
People are going to be “shocked” if the Red Wings don’t pull of a big trade or move this summer, as reported by Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman on the 32 Thoughts Podcast. This has been one of the most talked about aspects of Detroit’s offseason and all signs point toward an elite offensive forward in a trade or signing.
The Red Wings are expected to pull of a major trade during the 2026 NHL offseason and a top six forward should be the first priority. Yzerman said the five-on-five play and goal scoring were issues during the 2025-26 NHL season, so a physical, high-profile offensive player would be the best fit. There are a few names that stand out amongst the rest.
If Detroit is swinging big, it should try to acquire Ottawa Senators forward Brady Tkachuk or Toronto Maple Leafs forward Auston Matthews. These might be pipe dream additions, but if either are truly involved in trade rumors this summer, the organization should make a run. If not, Detroit has other options that it can consider on the trade market.
Dallas Stars forward Jason Robertson would be the perfect fit. Robertson is an incredible offensive player, who currently has 49 goals between the regular season and playoffs. Dallas has a difficult cap situation and the star forward is due for a new contract after the season.
The Stars will have Robertson’s rights as a restricted free agent, so it would be wise to recoup value if the organization doesn’t have room for him long-term. The Red Wings have the space and assets to make this happen and Robertson would be a great addition.
If not, there are still other players on the market, such as Vancouver Canucks forward Elias Pettersson and St. Louis Blues center Robert Thomas. While neither are on the same elevate as Tkachuk, Matthews, or Robertson, they would give Detroit’s offense a much-needed boost.
The NHL will be surprised if the Red Wings fail to make a blockbuster move, so they should give them a reason to feel this way.
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