The Detroit Red Wings missed the playoffs for a ninth consecutive season and could be in for an active offseason as they look to reshape their roster.
Armed with a stockpile of draft picks and promising prospects, Detroit has the tools to pull off a major move. NHL analyst Sam Stockton of The Hockey News linked the Red Wings to a possible blockbuster trade for Winnipeg Jets star forward Kyle Connor.
“Connor, a native of Shelby Township and a University of Michigan product, is a familiar name to Red Wings fans,” Stockton wrote. “While Winnipeg remains a contender, making Connor a tough player to acquire, it’s not out of the question that he could be moved depending on how the Jets’ postseason ends.”
Connor, 28, carries a $7.14 million cap hit through the 2025–26 season and has a 10-team no-trade list. As Stockton notes, the Jets must always weigh the risk of losing top talent in free agency. With just one year left on his seven-year, $50 million contract, Winnipeg may consider trading him to avoid losing him for nothing. Returning to his home state might appeal to Connor, but there’s no guarantee the Jets would agree to a deal.
Acquiring Connor would give Detroit a high-end scoring winger to bolster their top line. He’s coming off a standout season, posting 41 goals and 56 assists for 97 points over 82 games.
Red Wings GM Open to Adding a Prominent Player
After missing the playoffs for a ninth straight season, Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman says the team is looking to bring in more high-end talent this offseason.
With over $21 million in available cap space, Yzerman noted that Detroit is prepared to pursue a top-tier player if the right opportunity presents itself.
“We’ve always kept an open mind about acquiring any player who can help us,” Yzerman said on April 29. “If there’s someone out there who fits a need, wants to play in Detroit, and is worth the investment, we’re definitely interested. We’re in a much different place than we were five years ago. We’ve built a strong young core, and now we’re looking for the right pieces to take the next step—whether that’s a major free-agent signing or something else.”
The Red Wings also hold the 13th overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, a valuable asset that could be used to swing a trade for immediate help.
Red Wings GM Has Faith in Current Core
Although the Red Wings missed the postseason for the ninth consecutive year, general manager Steve Yzerman remains confident in the direction of the team.
Yzerman sees a promising foundation in place, with a young core he believes can evolve into a Stanley Cup contender.
“We’re building a solid core with the intention of becoming a winning team,” Yzerman said. “For me, success isn’t just sneaking into the playoffs one year and exiting early the next. It’s about sustained success—being in the playoffs consistently and competing for the Stanley Cup. That’s the goal we’re working toward.”
Detroit ended the season with a 39-35-8 record, falling just short of a postseason berth but showing signs of progress.