The Detroit Red Wings are in an interesting position leading up to the trade deadline. They sit third in the Atlantic Division but are only seven points away from the postseason cutoff entirely. Given their position, it\u2019s unlikely that they\u2019ll remove any pieces from their active roster, but would it make sense in the long run?<\/p>\n
There\u2019s no question: it\u2019s John Gibson<\/a>\u2018s net in Detroit. After a shaky start with the second franchise of his career, he\u2019s been nearly unstoppable since December, posting an 18-5-1 record in 24 games with a .923 SV%. The team in front of him has been performing well, but it is difficult to argue that the Red Wings\u2019 recent success is not primarily due to Gibson\u2019s excellent play in goal.<\/p>\n That leaves veteran Cam Talbot<\/a> in an awkward spot. Splitting the net at the beginning of the year, Talbot is now cemented as the team\u2019s backup, playing in nine games since December, with one of those coming in relief. It comes one year after he received the majority of starts in Detroit, earning a 21-19-5 record in 47 games with a .900 SV% during the 2024-25 season.<\/p>\n Given their competitive nature and firmly being in playoff contention for the first time in a decade, it usually wouldn\u2019t make sense for Detroit to reduce its roster. However, Talbot is one of the easiest netminders to move, given his lack of trade protection and relatively low salary. Coupled with the fact that the trade market for netminders is relatively thin, General Manager Steve Yzerman<\/a> could capitalize in a big way.<\/p>\n His hypothetical market would be limited, but there would be at least a few teams. The Carolina Hurricanes, Edmonton Oilers, and Vegas Golden Knights are competitive teams in need of goaltending reinforcements. It\u2019s hard to envision Talbot becoming the starter for any of those teams, but he would at least provide some much-needed breathing room if something went wrong with their regular starters.<\/p>\n Detroit wouldn\u2019t need a goaltender in return, either. They would gain the flexibility to add almost anything; either deepen their resources in some way or acquire additional assets for future trades.<\/p>\n