Red Wings Mock Trade Deadline: 2 Trades & Alternative Targets – The Hockey Writers –

After back-to-back regulation losses, the Detroit Red Wings’ record sits at 30-24-6. They’re in the midst of a heated playoff chase. Now, only two games separate them from the 2025 Trade Deadline.

There are clear needs that must be addressed. Adding defensive depth is paramount. And injuries to Andrew Copp—who is out for the season—and Michael Rasmussen should give the Red Wings reason to bring in a forward as well.

Today, we’ll dive into a couple moves that can resolve these issues, plus alternatives if the Red Wings want to take long-term routes.

Red Wings Acquire Depth Defenseman From Chicago

Trade: Chicago trades LD Alec Martinez to Detroit for a 2025 third-round pick (the later of Detroit’s two third-round picks).

This wouldn’t be a splashy move, but Alec Martinez is a proven asset who checks all the right boxes. Having played under Todd McLellan and Trent Yawney in Los Angeles, his familiarity with their systems could ease his transition – an advantage few trade deadline acquisitions enjoy.

A three-time Stanley Cup champion, Martinez brings both experience and a winning pedigree. Out of necessity, he’s been logging top-pair minutes for the struggling Blackhawks, but in Detroit, he’d take on a more manageable role. Despite playing on a bottom-tier team, his numbers against mid-level competition remain respectable.

Martinez also offers value on the penalty kill, a key area of focus for the Red Wings. In 55-plus minutes of shorthanded ice time, he has surrendered just five power-play goals, further underscoring his defensive reliability.

The cost shouldn’t be too high. Detroit may even be able to acquire him for less than the third-round pick I suggested above. 

Alternative: The Red Wings could pursue a longer-term option instead, such as LD Bowen Byram or RD Brandon Carlo. Both would cost more than Martinez, of course, but are also controllable for the next few years and add a much-needed top-four defenseman to the lineup.

Red Wings Acquire Versatile Forward From Seattle

Trade: Seattle trades C Yanni Gourde to Detroit for RD Antti Tuomisto and a 2026 third-round pick.

A pending free agent, Yanni Gourde could serve as an Andrew Copp replacement and play a multi-dimensional role for the Red Wings. He can line up at both center and wing, and can provide value on both special teams.