Here is a list of two Detroit Red Wings players who need to stay with the organization and why you should have them on your no-trade list, too.
Previously, I shared my no-trade list for the Detroit Red Wings.
Now, while I’d love to say everyone deserves to stay, the reality is that there’s always room to get better. That’s why it’s important for the Red Wings to identify which players are core pieces—and which ones might be better off moved. Ideally, that kind of decision is made when a player’s value is peaking. Buy low, sell high, right?
Still, it’s easy to get it wrong. We see it all the time—whether it’s investing, real estate, or retirement planning—people often make the mistake of selling low and buying high.
For Wings fans, the hope is that GM Steve Yzerman and his front office make smart calls about who to move and when. Sure, some fans might think Detroit doesn’t have much to offer, but there are definitely players who should draw interest from around the league.
With the NHL Draft and free agency on the horizon, it’s a good time to take another look at the no-trade list—and the logic behind it.
Of course, this is all in good fun and likely differs for everyone. Feel free to disagree or debate my picks—I’m sure some of you will find my list ridiculous, and that’s part of the fun.
So, here are two players who I think should absolutely be on everyone’s no-trade list. (Obvious names like Dylan Larkin, Lucas Raymond, and Moritz Seider are excluded—they’re franchise cornerstones and not really up for discussion.)
1. Alex DeBrincat
This may seem like a no-brainer, but if there’s any doubt: Alex DeBrincat isn’t going anywhere.
When he first arrived, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I’d heard he could be lazy, inconsistent, a power-play specialist who struggled at even strength, and not all that engaged defensively. But wow—has he proved those takes wrong.
Time and again, I’ve seen him hustle on the backcheck, break up plays, and position himself perfectly in passing lanes. He’s been one of the hardest-working players on the team night in and night out. His scoring is nice, but it’s the little details—the commitment, the effort—that earn him a firm spot on my no-trade list. Bold, italicized, and maybe even underlined for good measure.
2. Elmer Söderblom
After a disappointing previous season, Söderblom showed up in Grand Rapids with something to prove.
He embraced a more physical style of play and, most importantly, started believing in himself. His mom didn’t nickname him “The Mailman” for nothing—he’s been delivering.
At 6’8” with soft hands, underrated playmaking, and a sneaky good shot, he’s a matchup nightmare when he’s rolling. There just aren’t many players like him in the league, which makes it all the more important that the Red Wings hold on to him.
Both DeBrincat and Söderblom bring unique value to this team, and I’m excited to see how they continue to grow in Detroit—next season and beyond.
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