The Detroit Red Wings are actively seeking to strengthen their goaltending as they attempt to end a nine-year absence from the NHL playoffs. After finishing the 2024-25 season with one of the league’s poorest goals-against averages, the club is prioritizing netminder improvements under GM Steve Yzerman’s direction.
While Cam Talbot and Petr Mrazek currently share starting duties, reports indicate that the organization is open to exploring trade options to enhance this position. NHL insider Frank Seravalli highlighted that Detroit’s goaltending performance was a key area of concern, and though the team may manage with its current options temporarily, durable upgrades could be necessary for a playoff push.
“Are they looking? GM Steve Yzerman notoriously plays his cards close to the vest. The Wings ranked in the bottom quartile in save percentage last year, not helping their playoff chase.”
—Frank Seravalli, NHL Insider
“But Cam Talbot (.900) and Petr Mrazek (.902) might be enough to tide them over until Sebastian Cossa is theoretically ready. Will the Wings want better than that as Hockeytown tries to end a playoff drought? There aren’t many great options, and fixing the defense first might see the goaltending improve,” Seravalli wrote.
—Frank Seravalli, NHL Insider
Targets in Trade and Free Agency to Strengthen the Net
Detroit has been linked to multiple goaltenders via trade speculation and free agency chatter. Among the names rumored as potential additions are Stuart Skinner of the Edmonton Oilers, free agent Alexandar Georgiev, John Gibson of the Anaheim Ducks, and Jordan Binnington from the St. Louis Blues. These candidates present different trade and contract complexities that the Red Wings will have to navigate if they seek to upgrade beyond Talbot and Mrazek.
Interest in Islanders’ Defensive Prospect Noah Dobson
Beyond goaltending, the Red Wings have also reportedly engaged in talks concerning New York Islanders’ restricted free agent defenseman Noah Dobson, who was the 12th overall pick in the 2018 NHL Draft. At 25 years old, Dobson has contributed 39 points in the most recent season with 10 goals and 29 assists, though he carries a minus-16 rating.
According to Stefen Rosner of The Hockey News, Detroit’s inquiries have involved a proposed package that includes veteran forward J.T. Compher, young forward Jonatan Berggren, and likely draft picks. The specifics of this offer were cited by reporter Bob Duff referencing Elliotte Friedman’s statements.
“The Detroit Red Wings have inquired about New York Islanders pending restricted free agent defenseman Noah Dobson. Reporter Bob Duff cites that Elliotte Friedman stated that Detroit’s offer includes forwards J.T. Compher and Jonatan Berggren, with draft picks also likely being part of the discussion,” Rosner wrote
—Stefen Rosner, The Hockey News
Looking Ahead to Impact and Team Development
The Red Wings’ efforts to upgrade their goaltending alongside possible defensive reinforcements signal a methodical attempt to address shortcomings that have hindered their playoff ambitions. With Cam Talbot and Petr Mrazek currently stabilizing the net, Detroit’s next moves will reveal how aggressively they aim to change the team’s trajectory.
Should the club acquire newer talent or bolster their defensive corps, the expected improvement might help the Wings climb out of the lower ranks defensively and improve overall competitiveness. The approach suggests patience but also an eagerness to capitalize on trade or free agency opportunities to end their prolonged playoff absence.