The Detroit Red Wings are in the mix for a playoff spot and could be active buyers ahead of the March 7 trade deadline.
As the deadline approaches, the Red Wings may prioritize strengthening their blue line, with NHL analyst Tony Wolak of The Hockey Writers linking them to potential targets, including Alec Martinez of the Chicago Blackhawks.
“Adding another defenseman would be a smart move. As we saw in December, injuries to Detroit’s defensive group can be devastating,” Wolak noted.
According to Wolak, the Red Wings have two options: a short-term fix or a long-term investment. A short-term solution would involve acquiring a reliable bottom-pairing defenseman at a low cost—possibly for a late-round pick or a lower-tier prospect. Players like Brian Dumoulin, Josh Mahura, or Alec Martinez could fit this role.
All three are pending free agents and could provide depth, but Martinez stands out for his playoff experience and leadership. Having won two Stanley Cups with the Los Angeles Kings (2012, 2014) and another with the Vegas Golden Knights in 2023, he brings valuable postseason pedigree. Currently on a one-year, $4 million deal with Chicago, Martinez has played 26 games, recording three goals and four assists for seven points.
Key Injury Strengthens Need for Defenseman
Detroit’s need for defensive reinforcements has only increased following Jeff Petry’s long-term injury.
Petry has been out since January 2, and on February 4, coach Todd McLellan confirmed he underwent surgery and will miss six to eight weeks. In his absence, rookie Albert Johansson has stepped up, earning praise from McLellan.
“We found Albert,” McLellan said. “That allowed us to balance things out… Albert comes along, does his thing, and it kind of just slots everybody in the right places.”
Johansson has played in 33 games, tallying one goal and four assists for five points, while Petry had one goal and five assists in 34 games before his injury.
Red Wings Gaining Momentum
Since McLellan took over, the Red Wings have looked like a different team.
They extended their winning streak to seven games after a shootout victory over the Seattle Kraken on February 5. Star defenseman Moritz Seider believes the team is finally playing up to its potential.
“Ever since Todd came in, we’ve proven we’re a good hockey team,” Seider said. “We knew we had it in the locker room, but we just couldn’t find a spark. He brought that extra spark, and it brought us back to life. But we still have a long way to go.”
Currently holding onto a Wild Card spot with a 28-21-5 record, the Red Wings are right where they want to be in the playoff race.
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