Offseason Move the Detroit Red Wings Must Make
As the Detroit Red Wings look toward the upcoming offseason, one glaring issue continues to stand in the way of breaking their playoff drought: offensive depth, particularly at center ice.
Offensive Struggles Define the Season
Despite strong performances from stars Dylan Larkin and Lucas Raymond, the Red Wings have been hampered by inconsistent scoring throughout the lineup. Alex DeBrincat, who was expected to be a significant offensive contributor, has struggled with just two goals and one assist in his first ten games this season. Even more concerning is the middle six — a critical zone for generating sustained offense.
Why Replacing DeBrincat Could Be Key
Given DeBrincat’s inconsistency and the team’s urgent need for dependable scoring, it may be time for the Red Wings to consider moving on from him. Replacing him with a more reliable, dynamic winger who can consistently contribute offensively would help restore balance and scoring threat on the top line.
Targeting Top-Six Forward Depth
In addition to addressing the winger spot, Detroit must also focus on adding a strong top-six center. Dylan Cozens of the Buffalo Sabres is an ideal candidate. A young, two-way center with offensive upside, Cozens could fill the void left by the underperforming middle six and add stability to Detroit’s forward group.
With cap space and valuable assets at their disposal, the Red Wings are in a strong position to pursue impactful players like Cozens or Elias Pettersson, who could dramatically improve their offense.
J.T. Compher, originally projected as a top-six center, has been relegated to the fourth line. This shift is telling of the lack of depth and scoring ability beyond the team’s top stars. Ironically, Detroit’s fourth line, featuring Robby Fabbri, Joe Veleno, and Austin Czarnik, has been one of their most effective units — a rare bright spot that underscores the top and middle six’s underperformance.
At five-on-five play, Detroit ranks dead last in the NHL for goals per 60 minutes. Their low shooting percentage, around 6%, further emphasizes their struggles to finish scoring chances and sustain offensive pressure.
The Clear Need: A Top-Six Center
For Detroit to finally break through their playoff barrier, acquiring a dynamic top-six center with two-way ability is essential. The team’s offensive woes can largely be traced back to a lack of scoring punch and depth beyond Larkin and Raymond. Strengthening the middle of the lineup will not only boost scoring but also improve defensive reliability in crucial situations.
One prime candidate for this role is **Dylan Cozens** of the Buffalo Sabres. Cozens is a young, versatile center with a proven ability to drive offense and contribute defensively. The Red Wings have reportedly shown interest in Cozens before, and with their combination of cap space, prospects, and draft capital, Detroit is well-positioned to make a competitive offer.
Building Toward a Competitive Future
The Red Wings are actively exploring trade opportunities and potential signings to bolster their forward group. Targets like Dylan Cozens and Elias Pettersson represent the type of impact players Detroit needs to inject new life into their offense.
By focusing their offseason strategy on acquiring a reliable top-six forward center, the Red Wings can transform their lineup and position themselves as serious playoff contenders. The right move this offseason could be the key to ending Detroit’s long playoff drought and ushering in a new era of success.
The Path Forward
Breaking the playoff curse won’t happen without bold moves. The Red Wings must be willing to shake up their lineup, including potentially replacing Alex DeBrincat, to add consistent scoring punch and depth. By targeting proven top-six forwards, Detroit can build a more balanced, dangerous lineup capable of competing deep into the playoffs.
This offseason could be the turning point Detroit needs — a chance to end their playoff drought and usher in a new era of success.
