The Detroit Red Wings need to add some scoring depth in the 2025 NHL offseason. Detroit did see hometown star Alex DeBrincat come within a goal of 40 in 2024-25. However, he had little support around him when it came to putting the puck in the net.
Detroit had just four players score more than 20 goals in 2024-25. DeBrincat, Dylan Larkin, Lucas Raymond, and Patrick Kane all surpassed this mark. Kane is a free agent this summer, and could sign elsewhere on July 1. However, second-year star Marco Kasper could replace his goal production.
Detroit needs to add another offensive option this summer, if not multiple. NHL Free Agency certainly provides them the opportunity to add this sort of player. They have the financial means to sign a top-six forward if they desire.
However, there are also some trade options for the team to pursue. Detroit is looking to add long-term pieces to the roster this summer. These players aren’t often available on the free agency market.
There is one intriguing option Detroit could pursue this year. Utah Mammoth forward Barrett Hayton is coming off one of his best NHL seasons. However, his future in Salt Lake City is not secure. This trade proposal could send the former fifth-overall pick to Hockeytown before the start of the 2025-26 season.
Detroit Red Wings acquire: Forward Barrett Hayton
Utah Mammoth acquire: Forward Michael Rasmussen and a 2026 second-round pick
How Barrett Hayton Fits Red Wings Lineup
Sean M. Haffey/Getty ImagesBarrett Hayton could give the Detroit Red Wings a needed offensive spark.
Hayton has had an up-and-down time over the last three seasons. He has played a full 82 games in two of the last three seasons. However, the former fifth-overall pick was limited to 31 games during the 2023-24 campaign.
Still, the Mammoth forward has become a reliable forward. He reached the 20-goal plateau for the first time in 2024-25. Since 2022-23, he has 17.6 Offensive Goals Above Replacement, according to Evolving Hockey. He is also worth 4.0 Wins Above Replacement in that span.
One aspect he brings is even-strength defense. He recorded nearly 5.0 Defensive Goals Above Replacement at even strength over the last three seasons. Hayton would instantly become one of Detroit’s best defensive forwards, and his five-on-five ability is something the Red Wings need.
Hayton could work as a second-line center or wing. It all depends on where the team wants Kasper playing in 2025-26. Wherever he plays, Hayton could make an impact for the Red Wings if a deal can be worked out.
Mammoth Open Space For Larger Moves
The Mammoth do get a former top-10 pick of their own in this trade proposal. Michael Rasmussen is a former ninth-overall pick from the 2017 NHL Draft. And he has shown potential as a middle-six option in the NHL.
Rasmussen has recorded 12.4 Goals Above Replacement since 2022-23. He is also worth 2.1 Wins Above Replacement in that time. He also brings physicality, as Rasmussen has delivered 100 or more hits in each of the last four seasons.
His offense leaves some to be desired. At one point, it seemed as if he was becoming the player the Red Wings hoped. Injuries have derailed him to some extent. But a change of scenery could help spark him once again.
The Mammoth are taking on a bit of salary in this deal, with Rasmussen making $3.2 million for the next three seasons. However, they clear a top-six spot for a potential summer splash addition. And they get an early-round pick for what’s expected to be a deep 2026 NHL Draft. This is a fine return for Utah as they look to be aggressive this offseason.
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