Three Upgrades The Red Wings Must Pursue In The Summer for A substantial Upgrade

The Detroit Red Wings have holes across the roster. The team isn't good enough to make it to the playoffs, as they've proved this year, making it to 6th place in the Atlantic Division while the rebuild continues another year.

GM Steve Yzerman acknowledged the need for the team to pursue upgrades during the postseason press conference.

He mentioned that the team would be willing to part ways with a pick or prospects if a trade that makes snese for the team would occur.

But being in the Atlantic Division with teams like the Florida Panthers and Toronto Maple Leafs does make it difficult to get things done.

GM Steve Yzerman should focus on players who could make an immediate impact in the team's lineup.

Kyle Connor was a former Michigan Wolverine, and his name is familiar to Red Wings fans. Connor has been electric during the playoffs, scoring a total of three points in a recent game against the St. Louis Blues to push the team into a 4-3 OT win. Being a part of a contending team does complicate the idea of a trade a bit, and so does his $7.142 million AAV salary.

Instead of losing him to free agency, the Jets could find a trading partner and receive a haul of assets in return. Though his 10-team no-trade clause would be another obstacle if the Wings were on the list. Connor finished the regular season with 97 points (41 goals, 56 assists) and could add some missing firepower to a Red Wings offense that needs to shift into high gear.

Forsberg is another player who is on contract for a good amount of term left, signed on till 2029-2030 as a Predator with a $8.5 million cap hit.

With the team's free agency disaster, Barry Trotz might have to hit the "retool" button and consider dealing away significant talent in order to get younger, and Forsberg could be a piece that is moved. With a no-move clause attached, the Red Wings would have to sell him on the franchise and lure him to Hockeytown for the right price.

Forsberg scored 76 points (31 goals, 35 assists) a year ago and is two seasons removed from a 90-point year. He could be a creative and skilled scorer that can drive plays, and would be a challenge to pull off. Is Yzerman up to the task?

Zibanejad, like the rest of this wish list, comes with some term left on his contract, which pays him an AAV of $8.5 million. Zibanejad's deal also has a full no-movement clause, and would have to be enticed here as well.

His production is in decline, as this season he scored only 62 points this season, and 72 in 2023-2024. But a career year in 2022-2023 with a total of 91 points suggests that these are just down years for the team and Zibanejad himself.

Zibanejad could benefit from a fresh start despite his suggested decline. He could bring added depth down the middle, something the team is missing right now.

It'd be beneficial if Yzerman could figure out how to pry him from New York, but it doesn't seem like it'd come easily either.