Red Wings Pursue Top NHL Free Agents, Explore Trades, Boost Playoff Hopes

The Detroit Red Wings are actively pursuing significant roster improvements in the 2025 offseason, focusing on adding scoring depth and strengthening their defense. They are strongly linked to free agent forwards Brock Boeser and Nikolaj Ehlers, both expected to command multi-year contracts with annual values over $8 million, offering speed and offense to the Wings' top-six lines. General manager Steve Yzerman has re-signed restricted free agents and acquired goaltender John Gibson but still has about $18-19 million in cap space to pursue additional impact players, including potential deals with Patrick Kane and defensemen like Vladislav Gavrikov or K’andre Miller. Additionally, the Red Wings have emerged as strong contenders for a major trade involving Vancouver Canucks star forward Elias Pettersson, whose trade value is currently considered low, presenting a potential opportunity for Detroit before Pettersson's no-trade clause activates on July 1. With free agency opening on July 1, the team is also prepared to explore trades if free-agent signings do not meet their needs, aiming to end their nine-year playoff drought by bolstering their lineup. The Wings' offseason strategy reflects a balanced approach, combining free agency, trades, and internal development to address key weaknesses and build a competitive team.