As the NHL trade deadline draws near, the Detroit Red Wings are expected to make moves to strengthen their roster for a playoff push. Despite several efforts to improve their team, the Red Wings’ biggest area of need has been on defense. NHL insider Frank Seravalli believes that Buffalo Sabres defenseman Bowen Byram is the perfect addition to help solidify Detroit’s defensive corps. Seravalli highlighted this in an article, explaining that the Red Wings are likely to be buyers at the trade deadline with a primary focus on addressing their defensive issues.
Seravalli pointed out that Detroit has been struggling to finalize its defense corps for the past couple of years. He noted that the team’s approach in recent seasons, particularly at the previous trade deadline, has been a bit unconventional. Instead of adding defensive depth, Detroit focused on acquiring offensive talent, including Patrick Kane and Vladimir Tarasenko, to strengthen their forward lines. However, as Seravalli writes, the Red Wings now need to turn their attention to the back end to complete their roster and bolster their chances for a successful playoff run.
Byram, a young and skilled defenseman, could be the key to improving the Red Wings’ blueline. His addition would provide them with the necessary substance on defense that they’ve been lacking. With the trade deadline approaching, all eyes will be on the Red Wings as they look to make the right moves to push for a postseason berth.
The Detroit Red Wings are currently outside of the playoff picture with a 30-25-6 record and 66 points, trailing the Ottawa Senators by one point for the second wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference. As the team looks ahead to the trade deadline, strengthening their defense remains a priority, but adding a versatile center like Buffalo Sabres’ Dylan Cozens could further solidify their depth for a playoff push.
One key potential acquisition is 23-year-old defenseman Bowen Byram, who is in the second and final season of his two-year, $7.7 million contract. Byram will become a restricted free agent on July 1, unless he receives an in-season extension. With 29 points in 60 games this season, Byram could fit in well as the Red Wings’ second-pairing left-shot defenseman, adding the much-needed stability to their defense.
While the Red Wings’ front office, led by general manager Steve Yzerman, is exploring trade options to improve the roster, head coach Todd McLellan emphasized that it’s not solely on management to make a difference. The players themselves must take responsibility for the final stretch of the season. “I know that he believes in this group and that he wants to do whatever he can to help this group,” McLellan said. “But the players that put the jerseys on have to get the job done.”
As the Red Wings look to secure a spot in the playoffs, they will need to make the right moves at the deadline and get key contributions from all areas of their roster.
