Red Wings Would Love to Land One of These Three Impact Defensemen in Free Agency…see more…
As NHL free agency looms, the Detroit Red Wings are eyeing a crucial opportunity to strengthen a roster that is on the cusp of competing for a playoff spot. With general manager Steve Yzerman steadily building through the draft and strategic trades, the time may finally be right for the Red Wings to make a splash in free agency — particularly on the blue line.
The team’s defensive corps showed flashes of promise last season, especially with the emergence of Moritz Seider and the steady play of Jake Walman. But Detroit still lacks a true top-four anchor to play heavy minutes, contribute on special teams, and provide leadership in tight situations. To take the next step and close the gap with Atlantic Division rivals, the Wings may have to dip into a relatively deep free-agent pool.
Here are three defensemen Detroit would love to land — and why each could be a game-changing addition.
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1. Brady Skjei — The Two-Way Veteran with Top-Pairing Experience
Brady Skjei is arguably the most complete defenseman on the market this summer, and his name has already been linked to multiple playoff-caliber teams. For Detroit, Skjei would be a dream fit. At 6’3” and 210 pounds, the 30-year-old brings size, mobility, and the ability to log heavy minutes in all situations.
In 2024-25, Skjei posted a career-high 43 points with the Carolina Hurricanes while maintaining a responsible defensive game. He consistently played over 20 minutes per night, often against top lines, and held his own in both transition and defensive zone play.
For the Red Wings, Skjei would provide an immediate upgrade to the left side, where they’ve relied on a patchwork of depth defenders behind Walman. His presence would allow Seider to thrive offensively, knowing a steady veteran is covering gaps and managing high-pressure moments.
The price tag won’t be cheap — Skjei is expected to command upwards of $6.5 million annually on a multi-year deal — but Yzerman has the cap space and flexibility to make it work, especially with several young players still on entry-level deals.
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2. Matt Roy — The Michigan Native Who Plays a Hard-Nosed Game
If Skjei is the Cadillac option, Matt Roy might be the reliable pickup truck — less flashy, but durable, dependable, and effective. The 29-year-old St. Clair, Michigan native could be a compelling option for Detroit both for his style of play and his hometown ties.
Roy spent the last five seasons with the Los Angeles Kings and became one of their most trusted shutdown defensemen. In 2024-25, he averaged over 21 minutes per game and led the Kings in blocked shots and penalty-kill minutes. He doesn’t generate offense like Skjei but is extremely effective at clearing the net front, winning battles along the boards, and keeping the game simple.
He could thrive in a second-pairing role alongside a puck-mover like Simon Edvinsson or even stabilize a pairing with Seider if needed. Roy’s expected contract will likely be more modest — in the $4.5 to $5 million AAV range — making him an attractive option if the Wings choose to spread their cap space across multiple positions.
Signing Roy would not only improve the blue line but also add a local storyline that fans in Hockeytown would embrace.
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3. Brett Pesce — The Underrated Defensive Pillar with Top-Four Impact
Another name to watch is Brett Pesce, Skjei’s longtime partner in Carolina and one of the most underrated defensive defensemen in the NHL. At 6’3”, Pesce is a rangy, right-handed defenseman who thrives on the penalty kill and excels in suppressing high-danger chances. He’s the kind of player who rarely makes highlight reels but consistently makes smart plays under pressure.
Pesce would be an ideal complement to a more offensive partner like Edvinsson or could form a formidable shutdown pairing with Seider if Walman were shifted down the lineup. His defensive IQ, stick work, and positional play would instantly boost Detroit’s ability to control tight, low-scoring games — something they struggled with last season.
The question with Pesce is whether he’s willing to move north. Several playoff contenders are reportedly in on him, including the Devils and Oilers, but Detroit’s ability to offer a prominent role, strong leadership core, and cap flexibility might give them a unique edge.
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Why Defense Is the Priority
The Red Wings finished 21st in goals against last season and had one of the lowest penalty kill percentages in the league. While their goaltending was solid with Alex Lyon and Sebastian Cossa showing promise, the blue line left too many gaps.
Adding a top-four defenseman is more than just a luxury — it’s a necessity for Detroit to progress from a rebuilding team to a consistent playoff presence. While much attention has been given to their forward prospects like Marco Kasper, Nate Danielson, and Jonatan Berggren, the defense has lagged slightly behind in terms of depth and readiness.
Yzerman has long resisted overpaying in free agency, preferring to build organically, but the time may be right to strike. With ample cap space and a deep defensive market, Detroit could use this summer to solidify its identity and support its young core.
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Other Names to Watch
If the Red Wings miss out on their top choices, there are still other veteran blueliners available:
Ilya Lyubushkin – Tough, physical, right-shot depth option.
Oliver Kylington – High-upside risk after missing time but skilled in transition.
Erik Johnson – Veteran leader who could play a third-pair role and mentor younger players.
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Final Word: The Clock Is Ticking
Free agency opens on July 1, and Detroit’s fans are watching closely. After years of patient roster construction, Steve Yzerman faces one of the most pivotal offseasons of his tenure. While the Wings are trending upward, their playoff drought won’t end unless they bolster the defense with a reliable, proven NHL presence.
Signing one of Skjei, Roy, or Pesce wouldn’t just fill a gap — it would send a message: the Red Wings are ready to win.
And in Hockeytown, that message is long overdue.
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