The Detroit Red Wings need to make some big moves during the 2026 NHL offseason. Following a historical collapse, the Red Wings missed out on the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs almost one week before the end of the season. It was a shocking collapse from Detroit, which has struggled when it matters the most over the last few years.
Led by Dylan Larkin, the Red Wings have to make sure this doesn’t happen going into the 2026-27 NHL season. As Detroit general manager Steve Yzerman said in his latest press conference, the team needs better players. Whether that is internal improvement or outside additions, the Red Wings need to play better.
Therefore, the Red Wings might be forced into a franchise-altering trade that could make or break the current core.
Detroit Red Wings must return to the Stanley Cup Playoffs
The Red Wings need to return to the Stanley Cup Playoffs. After the Buffalo Sabres made the playoffs in 2026, Detroit has the longest active playoff drought in the NHL. It is inexcusable for the Red Wings to be in this position, and it puts the players in a bigger spotlight moving forward.
Larkin is 29 years old, while Mo Seider and Lucas Raymond represent the future of the organization. There is time for Seider and Raymond to produce at a high level in the NHL, but it is unclear how much time Larkin has as a premier center. The Red Wings have to take advantage of the 29-year-old center’s prime.
To help aid Larkin, Detroit needs to acquire an elite offensive forward for the first line. For example, Dallas Stars forward Jason Robertson and Ottawa Senators forward Brady Tkachuk would change the entire direction of the team. It would be worth it to push for a Stanley Cup Playoff berth.
It is unclear if the Red Wings have the players needed to make the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The current state of the team might need a significant overhaul, and it is up to Yzerman to bring Detroit back to contention. If not, the former Red Wings legend could be on the hot seat, which could further force the idea of a franchise-altering trade.
Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman could be on the hot seat
Yzerman might be running out of time in Detroit. Following another late-season collapse, there was loud noise outside of Detroit on Yzerman’s future as general manager. As of now, nothing has changed, but the 61-year-old executive has to make a big swing sooner rather than later.
The Red Wings’ biggest addition in the Yzerman era is Alex DeBrincat, who has been an amazing piece on offense. While DeBrincat is a 40-plus goal scorer, he can’t do all of it by himself. Everyone seems to agree that a big move is coming during the 2026 NHL offseason, as the Red Wings are expected to be aggressive.
This could be the final offseason that Yzerman has to prove himself in Detroit. If the Red Wings fall short and fail to make the 2027 Stanley Cup Playoffs, there could be a new general manager at this time next year. It is fair to assume that Yzerman will feel the pressure mounting and swing for the fences.
After all, Detroit needs to acquire a big-name player. Toronto Maple Leafs center Auston Matthews and Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid are long shots, but there are players in the NHL’s second-tier who could be gettable this offseason. Yzerman should be ready to purge his basket full of assets.
For Detroit, a return to the playoffs has to be the priority, and it could cause the perfect storm for a franchise-altering trade this summer.
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