NHL Rumours: Detroit Red Wings Might Not Be Done as Yzerman Eyes More Moves in Busy Offseason…read more…
The Detroit Red Wings have already been one of the more active teams in the early stages of the 2025 NHL offseason, but if recent rumours are to be believed, general manager Steve Yzerman might not be done retooling his roster. After missing the playoffs for the eighth time in nine seasons, the Red Wings are aggressively working to close the gap between themselves and Eastern Conference contenders—and more moves could be imminent.
Despite already adding veteran pieces and shedding underperforming contracts, league insiders believe that Yzerman remains firmly in the hunt for at least one more top-six forward and possibly a right-shot defenseman before training camp begins in September.
A Busy Start to the Summer
The Red Wings’ offseason kicked off with a splash, re-signing breakout winger Lucas Raymond to a long-term contract extension worth $8.5 million annually. Just days later, Yzerman made headlines again by acquiring defenseman Jakob Chychrun from the Ottawa Senators in exchange for a package that included prospect William Wallinder and a 2025 second-round pick. The addition of Chychrun added a mobile, offensive element to the blue line that had been lacking in recent years.
Additionally, Detroit added veteran goaltender Cam Talbot on a one-year deal to provide a stabilizing presence behind Ville Husso, who struggled with injuries and inconsistency throughout last season. Talbot, 38, is expected to serve as a reliable 1B option, ensuring the Red Wings don’t fall victim to goaltending woes again.
Yzerman also parted ways with underperforming winger Robby Fabbri, trading him to the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for a fifth-round pick and cap flexibility. These moves signaled that Detroit was serious about turning the corner—but the flurry may not be over yet.
Rumblings Around the League
According to NHL insider Frank Seravalli and Elliotte Friedman of 32 Thoughts: The Podcast, Detroit remains one of the most active teams in ongoing trade discussions. One target that continues to surface is Calgary Flames forward Andrew Mangiapane, who may be available due to Calgary’s ongoing retooling process. Mangiapane, a speedy winger with strong two-way skills, would bring a versatile middle-six presence that Detroit desperately needs.
Another name linked to the Red Wings is Philadelphia Flyers’ Travis Konecny. Though acquiring Konecny would cost Detroit significant assets—possibly including top prospects like Marco Kasper or Nate Danielson—he would provide a legitimate offensive spark and leadership edge in the locker room.
On the defensive end, the Red Wings are said to be exploring a reunion with right-shot defenseman Filip Hronek, who has reportedly fallen out of favor in Vancouver. While a return remains unlikely due to the Canucks’ asking price, Yzerman has never been shy about pursuing players he believes can make an impact.
Cap Space Still Available
One reason the Red Wings are still in play for potential additions is their salary cap flexibility. Even after signing Raymond and adding Chychrun and Talbot, Detroit has just over $8 million in projected cap space, according to CapFriendly.
That gives Yzerman plenty of room to either take on a big contract via trade or sign another free agent if the market presents a good fit. It also positions the Red Wings well to weaponize their cap space in three-team trades, something Yzerman has utilized in the past to extract assets.
One possibility is that Detroit might help facilitate a blockbuster elsewhere—like the rumored Mitch Marner trade in Toronto—by retaining salary or acting as an intermediary, gaining draft picks in return.
Youth Movement Continues
While Yzerman is active on the trade front, he remains committed to the development of Detroit’s young core. The team expects top prospects Marco Kasper, Simon Edvinsson, and Carter Mazur to compete for full-time NHL roles this season. Nate Danielson, who had a strong showing at development camp, may also push for a surprise roster spot.
“We’re getting to the point where these kids need to play,” Yzerman said at the end-of-season press conference. “But we also need to support them with the right veterans.”
That philosophy explains why Yzerman has made a point of adding experienced players like Talbot and Chychrun while also keeping the door open for his highly touted prospects to step in and make an impact.
Fan Expectations Rising
After several years of patient rebuilding, Red Wings fans are growing restless—and Yzerman knows it. With the team narrowly missing the playoffs last season, expectations are higher than ever heading into 2025-26.
Detroit finished with 89 points last year, just shy of a wild-card spot, and showed signs of progress under head coach Derek Lalonde. However, their inability to close out key games in March and April ultimately sealed their fate.
Now, the pressure is on Yzerman to deliver a playoff-caliber team. Adding one more top-six forward could be the move that puts them over the edge.
What Comes Next?
With free agency still in full swing and training camp a few months away, the Red Wings have time on their side. But fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see what Yzerman’s next move will be.
Among remaining free agents, Max Comtois, Daniel Sprong (who spent last season in Detroit), and Anthony Duclair are still unsigned and could provide affordable scoring help. On defense, veterans like Matt Dumba or Ethan Bear could offer right-side stability if Detroit fails to make a trade.
But the bigger splash could come via trade—and with Yzerman’s track record, no one should be surprised if he pulls off another move that reshapes the roster yet again.
As one anonymous NHL executive told The Athletic, “Steve’s not just building a team. He’s building a contender. And he’s not afraid to take bold swings to get there.”
For the Red Wings and their fans, the message is clear: This offseason isn’t over yet. The best may still be to come.
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🚨 NHL Rumours: Steve Yzerman might not be done yet. The #RedWings GM is reportedly still chasing impact forwards and a right-shot D-man. Could more big moves be coming to Hockeytown? 👀🔥 #LGRW #NHLRumors #YzermanPlan.
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