The Detroit Red Wings are entering an important stretch of the 2025–26 season as the NHL trade deadline approaches. Sitting third in the Atlantic Division, the team has the opportunity to make moves that could strengthen its lineup for the playoff run.
One player has drawn the front office’s attention, offering a chance to add a top-six center with potential.
Red Wings Interest in Struggling Star Forward Elias Pettersson
As the March 6 trade deadline approaches, the Red Wings are reportedly monitoring Elias Pettersson of the Vancouver Canucks. Pettersson, 27, signed an $92.8 million contract in 2024 but has struggled since, dealing with injuries and a drop in offensive output.
Pettersson scored 102 points in 2022–23, but last season he had 45 points in 64 games, and this season he has 34 points in 49 games. Injuries, including knee tendinitis (early 2024), an oblique injury (March 2025), and an upper-body injury (December), have affected his performance.
Detroit’s interest aligns with the team’s need for a top-six center and its history with Swedish players.
NHL insider Nick Kypreos recently wrote in his Sportsnet column, “Team to watch here is the Detroit Red Wings, an organization that has had great success with Swedish players in the past. They certainly have the assets to make a Pettersson deal happen.”
Other teams, including the Los Angeles Kings and Carolina Hurricanes, are also exploring Pettersson. The Kings need to replace Kevin Fiala, who suffered a season-ending injury, and they see Pettersson as a player who could contribute both now and in the future.
Pettersson’s performance at the Winter Olympics did not improve his trade value, as he averaged under 11 minutes per game for Sweden. Despite this, there is still a belief in his abilities. Especially, his two-goal performance in Sweden’s 5-3 win over Slovakia stood out.
Kypreos also added, “Finding the right trade for Pettersson will be complex. Do you believe he will bounce back from a 45-point season last year and a 34-point showing so far this season? He was a 102-point player just three years ago and is in his prime years.”
Teams like Detroit would be betting on him returning to form rather than relying on current numbers.
READ MORE: Vancouver Willing to Make Concessions After Bad Swing on Former Oilers
One hurdle for any trade is Pettersson’s long-term contract, which runs through 2032. A team taking him on would need to commit for several years. Vancouver also needs to get fair value without hurting its rebuilding plans.
For Detroit, adding Pettersson could improve its top-six forward group and give the team more options heading into the playoffs. The next few weeks will show whether the Red Wings act before the trade deadline or hold off until the off-season.
