Detroit Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman may be assessing the trade market as the team struggles with inconsistency in another underwhelming season. David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period reported on Tuesday’s episode of The Latest that Yzerman is aiming to “shake up” the roster in an effort to salvage Detroit’s diminishing playoff hopes.
According to Pagnotta, who cited sources around the league, the Red Wings are actively exploring trade possibilities, particularly to address ongoing concerns like goaltending. “Talking to people around the league, (Yzerman is) looking into things,” Pagnotta said. “The challenge is that they have a lot of players under contract, so it will require some creativity from Detroit to make impactful moves.”
With a 10-13-4 record, the Red Wings are second-to-last in the Eastern Conference wild-card race, trailing the Tampa Bay Lightning by four points for the final playoff spot. Speculation surrounding head coach Derek Lalonde’s job security increased in late November, as he is now in his third season without breaking the team’s playoff drought.
Pagnotta added that the Red Wings are reportedly aiming for “hockey-type trades,” or talent-for-talent swaps. Goaltending remains a major concern, with injuries to Cam Talbot and Alex Lyon placing extra pressure on Ville Husso, who has struggled since being re-signed earlier this year. The Red Wings are also in the midst of a five-game losing streak, capped by a loss to the Colorado Avalanche on Saturday.
