The Detroit Red Wings have started to cool off following their strong start to the season. After opening with a 9-4-0 record, they’ve now dropped three straight games and six of their last ten, signaling a rough patch for the team.
Their recent defeats have been especially tough to swallow — a 4-1 loss to the New York Rangers on Nov. 7, followed by a 5-1 defeat to the Chicago Blackhawks on Nov. 9.
One of the biggest issues during this slump has been their lack of offense. The Red Wings have scored just two goals in their last three games, highlighting the need for more firepower. Bringing in another proven scorer could help turn things around.
Among current trade targets across the NHL, Buffalo Sabres winger Alex Tuch stands out as a strong fit for Detroit. With that in mind, Heavy Sports has proposed a trade that would send Tuch to the Red Wings in a significant deal.
Proposed Trade:
To Detroit: Alex Tuch
To Buffalo: 2026 First-Round Pick (Top-10 Protected), 2027 Fourth-Round Pick, Dmitri Buchelnikov, Michael Rasmussen
Alex Tuch Among NHL’s Top Trade Candidates
Tuch is one of the most-discussed names on the trade market right now. The Sabres are off to a disappointing 5-6-4 start and currently sit at the bottom of the Eastern Conference.
His contract situation also adds fuel to the speculation — Tuch is set to become an unrestricted free agent at season’s end. If the Sabres aren’t in playoff contention by the deadline, they may look to move him rather than risk losing him for nothing.
NHL insider Chris Johnston recently ranked Tuch fourth on his The Athletic trade board, noting, “He’s the kind of player they’d love to keep long-term, but he’s too valuable to lose for nothing if they’re not in the playoff race.”
If available, the Red Wings could be an ideal destination. A two-time 36-goal scorer, Tuch would add immediate top-six scoring and boost Detroit’s power play.
Why This Trade Could Work for Detroit
Tuch’s value lies in his size, skill, and reasonable $4.75 million cap hit. A package featuring a first-round pick, a promising prospect like Buchelnikov, and a reliable two-way forward in Rasmussen could be enough to get Buffalo’s attention.
Buchelnikov, 22, has been impressive in the KHL, tallying eight goals and 17 points in 25 games for CSKA Moscow after a 54-point season with HC Vityaz last year. Rasmussen, 26, brings NHL experience and versatility, contributing on both the penalty kill and bottom-six forward group.
For a Red Wings team seeking to rediscover its early-season form, a move for Tuch could be the spark they need