4 Trades the Detroit Red Wings Should Consider Before the 2026 NHL Draft

The 2025-26 NHL season has officially come to a close, and while one franchise celebrated by lifting the Stanley Cup, the Detroit Red Wings were once again left searching for answers. Missing the playoffs for a tenth consecutive season has only intensified the pressure on general manager Steve Yzerman, who now faces one of the most important offseasons of his tenure.

Detroit entered the season believing it had enough talent to compete for a postseason berth, but another late-season collapse erased those hopes. The disappointment has reportedly reached beyond the front office, with longtime captain Dylan Larkin now seeking a fresh start elsewhere. If that situation ultimately leads to a trade, it will signal the end of an era and force the organization to accelerate its rebuilding plans around younger stars such as Moritz Seider, Lucas Raymond, Simon Edvinsson, and Marco Kasper.

Fortunately for the Red Wings, the timing provides an opportunity to reshape the roster. The NHL Draft offers an ideal stage for blockbuster trades, while free agency follows only days later. Rather than making small adjustments, Detroit should consider bold moves that strengthen both its present and long-term future.

Here are four trades that could dramatically change the direction of the franchise before draft weekend arrives.

1. Acquire Mavrik Bourque from the Dallas Stars

One of the smartest moves Detroit could make would be targeting young forward Mavrik Bourque from the Dallas Stars.

Dallas is entering another challenging offseason financially. The organization has several important contracts to negotiate, and keeping its entire young core together may simply prove impossible under the salary cap. Bourque, a restricted free agent coming off a productive campaign, could become one of the players squeezed out despite showing significant NHL potential.

The 24-year-old forward has steadily developed into an effective offensive contributor capable of producing secondary scoring while remaining responsible defensively. His ability to play center and wing makes him especially attractive for a Detroit team searching for additional skill down the middle.

Instead of gambling on another second-round draft selection, the Red Wings should consider sending one of their second-round picks to Dallas in exchange for Bourque’s negotiating rights. Such a move would immediately provide Detroit with a proven young NHL player rather than another prospect who could require several seasons of development.

Considering Detroit’s mixed results when selecting players outside the first round during Steve Yzerman’s tenure, acquiring an established NHL contributor represents a much safer investment. While many second-round selections eventually develop into quality players, the Red Wings have struggled to consistently turn those picks into everyday NHL talent.

Bourque already possesses NHL experience, still has room to improve, and fits the age timeline of Detroit’s emerging core. Instead of waiting years to discover whether another draft pick becomes an NHL regular, the organization could add a player who is ready to contribute immediately.

2. Explore a Blockbuster Deal with Anaheim for Mason McTavish

If Dylan Larkin is indeed on his way out, replacing his presence at center becomes Detroit’s biggest priority.

One intriguing possibility would involve opening discussions with the Anaheim Ducks regarding Mason McTavish.

Although McTavish has yet to fully establish himself as a superstar, the former third-overall selection remains one of the league’s most promising young centers. At just 23 years old, he still possesses tremendous upside and has already demonstrated the physical style, scoring touch, and leadership qualities that made him such a highly regarded prospect.

Detroit could potentially build a package centered around veteran winger Alex DeBrincat.

DeBrincat is coming off another outstanding offensive season and continues to rank among the NHL’s most dangerous goal scorers. However, he is approaching the final year of his current contract and will likely command a substantial long-term extension. If the Red Wings are entering another rebuilding phase, committing major money to an aging winger may not align with the organization’s long-term plans.

Anaheim, meanwhile, could benefit from adding an established scorer capable of helping its young roster take the next step toward playoff contention.

Additional pieces would almost certainly be required to balance the trade. Detroit could include one of its top prospects or draft assets, while Anaheim might send back another young player or defenseman to complete the package.

Although such negotiations would be complicated, acquiring a player like McTavish would provide Detroit with a potential first-line center entering the prime years of his career. That type of opportunity rarely becomes available.

3. Maximize the Return for Dylan Larkin

Trading a franchise captain is never easy, but if Larkin has decided his future lies elsewhere, Detroit’s front office must focus on maximizing the return rather than attempting to preserve the status quo.

Several organizations could have interest in acquiring a proven two-way center with leadership experience, but Utah appears to possess one of the deepest collections of young talent and NHL-ready prospects.

Instead of accepting a package built around draft picks alone, Detroit should pursue multiple young players capable of becoming long-term contributors.

A deal involving prospects such as Caleb Desnoyers, Tij Iginla, Barrett Hayton, or defenseman Sean Durzi would immediately strengthen both the Red Wings’ current roster and future outlook. Even if Utah proves reluctant to part with all of those names, Detroit should insist on receiving at least one elite prospect, an NHL-ready player, and premium draft capital.

Some reports have also suggested that goaltending prospect Sebastian Cossa could become available in the right deal. While moving one of the organization’s top prospects would certainly be controversial, combining Cossa with Larkin could significantly increase Detroit’s leverage during negotiations and result in a blockbuster return.

The objective should not simply be replacing Larkin with one player. Instead, the Red Wings should aim to acquire multiple assets that collectively strengthen several areas of the organization.

Done correctly, the trade could reshape Detroit’s future for years to come.

4. Make a Serious Push for Elias Pettersson

After accumulating young talent through earlier trades, Detroit should immediately shift its attention toward finding a new franchise center.

Few players would fit that description better than Vancouver Canucks star Elias Pettersson.

Although Pettersson has experienced an inconsistent stretch over the past couple of seasons, his talent remains undeniable. He possesses elite vision, outstanding puck skills, excellent defensive instincts, and the offensive ability to produce at a point-per-game pace when playing with confidence.

His sizeable contract could discourage some teams, but Detroit may actually be in a position to absorb that financial commitment if several veteran salaries are moved beforehand.

The Red Wings would also enter negotiations with a stronger collection of prospects and draft picks following any Larkin trade, giving them the flexibility to construct an appealing offer without dismantling their young NHL core.

Acquiring Pettersson would instantly provide Detroit with a legitimate No. 1 center capable of leading the offense while allowing players like Lucas Raymond, Moritz Seider, Simon Edvinsson, and Marco Kasper to continue developing around an established star.

There is certainly risk involved. Pettersson would need to rediscover his peak form to justify his contract, and Vancouver may ultimately decide against moving him altogether. However, true franchise centers rarely become available, making the gamble one worth considering.

Final Thoughts

The upcoming NHL Draft represents far more than another opportunity to add prospects—it could become the turning point that defines the next chapter of Red Wings hockey.

Steve Yzerman has consistently preached patience throughout Detroit’s rebuild, but patience alone has not produced playoff hockey. With uncertainty surrounding Dylan Larkin’s future and pressure mounting from both fans and ownership, the organization may need to embrace bold decisions rather than incremental improvements.

Whether that means acquiring Mavrik Bourque, taking a chance on Mason McTavish, maximizing the return for Dylan Larkin, or pursuing a star like Elias Pettersson, the Red Wings have an opportunity to fundamentally reshape their roster before the draft even begins.

The coming weeks could determine whether Detroit remains stuck in its rebuilding cycle or finally takes meaningful steps toward becoming a legitimate Stanley Cup contender once again.