It’s officially NHL trade deadline day for the 2025-2026 season. There were a slew of trades late Thursday, including a move from the Red Wings. Steve Yzerman struck a deal with the Ottawa Senators to bring forward David Perron back to Detroit.
Here is the NHL’s official Trade Tracker for your bookmarking needs.
The prices that contending teams are paying for depth pretty much speak for themselves. What seemed like a buyer’s market earlier this week has been given a firm shove into a seller’s market. Lots of 1st and 2nd round picks are going for depth and veteran players. We know Yzerman doesn’t love the idea of getting into bidding wars or paying inflated premiums, but at the same time, his team really needs some help.
Some of the names Detroit has been linked to are Vincent Trocheck (this is the guy I want), Oliver Ekman-Larsson, Robert Thomas, and Elias Pettersson. But again, at what cost? Steve Yzerman has done a pretty damn good job at building his farm system, AND he has the draft picks.
My opinion: It’s time to be bold. You have the capital, and the fans have waited long enough. If the right player is available and the price is inflated, that’s okay! This franchise can afford some risk, something Steve Yzerman has largely avoided up to this point. If you’re not going to make a splash now when your team is in a playoff position, then when?
Detroit does have a game tonight. They’re hosting the Florida Panthers, who just shipped out former Red Wing Jeff Petry for a minimal return. They need a regulation win badly, but probably need a trade or two even more.
Use this article as your thread today. Be civil, be kind.
