As the calendar turns from 2025 to 2026, that also indicates the NHL trade deadline will quickly approach. The Detroit Red Wings find themselves at a bit of a crossroads. The Red Wings find themselves atop the Atlantic Division, but it became evident this past Saturday in Carolina that they're still a few steps behind the top teams in the league.
The team may opt for an “addition by subtraction” strategy, where moving out certain players would free up both salary cap space and valuable roster spots for potential upgrades. Two names that I could see surface in trade speculation are forward JT Compher and, albeit a less likely candidate, goaltender Cam Talbot, whose contract is expiring.