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The Detroit Red Wings will be a team to keep an eye on during the off-season. Due to their struggles down the stretch, they are now eliminated from playoff contention, and this could very well lead them to be aggressive this summer to try to boost their roster.
The Red Wings’ biggest trade need is another top-six center. Dylan Larkin is a consistent two-way center, but he has never had the insurance of a top-end No. 2 center playing behind him.
An upgrade to their second-line center spot this off-season is needed more than any other position, so let’s take a look at three centers who the Red Wings should consider targeting.
Robert Thomas, St. Louis Blues
The Blues were listening to offers for Robert Thomas leading up to the deadline, and the Red Wings were one of the teams connected to him. Given the fact that Thomas is 26 years old and locked up until the end of the 2030-31 season, he is exactly the kind of center that the Red Wings should target again this summer.
If the Red Wings acquired Thomas, he could be their new first-line center, and Dylan Larkin could become their No. 2. This would make the Red Wings’ center depth incredibly strong and could help them be legitimate contenders next season.
In 61 games this season, Thomas has 22 goals, 36 assists, 58 points, and a plus-18 rating, a near-point-per-game rate despite his campaign being considered a “down year.”
MORE: Red Wings take over Sabres' depressing NHL playoff status
Vincent Trocheck, New York Rangers
Vincent Trocheck is another center who the Red Wings were linked to leading up to the deadline. It is understandable, as he is an impactful top-six center who contributes offensively, plays a solid defensive game, and throws his weight around. He also has a $5.625 million cap hit until the end of the 2028-29 season, which adds to his appeal.
If the Red Wings acquired Trocheck, he would give their second line, power play, and penalty kill all a boost. In 65 games this season with the Rangers, the Pittsburgh native has 16 goals, 37 assists, 53 points, and 189 hits.
MORE: Which 3 teams could target Rangers' Vincent Trocheck in the offseason?
Ryan O’Reilly, Nashville Predators
If Ryan O’Reilly is open to a trade this off-season, the Red Wings would be wise to pursue him. The 35-year-old would be a fantastic addition to the Red Wings’ top six, as he is still a star two-way center at this point in his career. He would also give the Red Wings a proven leader with a Stanley Cup and Conn Smythe Trophy on his resume.
O’Reilly has had an excellent season for Nashville, too, as he has recorded 25 goals, 48 assists, and 73 points in 79 games. With numbers like these, he would surely improve Detroit’s roster if acquired. It also doesn’t hurt that he has a bargain $4.5 million cap hit until the end of next season.
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