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The Detroit Red Wings need to improve their defense in 2025-26.
The Detroit Red Wings struggled in a lot of areas during the 2024-25 NHL season. At times, they seemed to struggle in every single aspect of the game. However, there was one consistent area the Red Wings failed to overcome: they could not keep the puck out of their net.
Overall, they received fine enough goaltending. Cam Talbot had a solid debut season in the Motor City. Alex Lyon had his moments, as well. And Petr Mrazek wasn’t too terrible in his five-game return to Hockeytown following the NHL Trade Deadline.
These guys weren’t overly impressive, though. It didn’t help that the defense in front of them was down right abysmal at times. The Red Wings finished with the 10th worst on-ice save percentage as a team, according to Evolving Hockey. Additionally, they finished with the 12th highest Expected Goals Against Per 60.
The Red Wings did trade for John Gibson to give them an upgrade in the crease. However, they could stand to add a defenseman to the ledger. Specifically, a top-four defenseman who can shut down opposing stars and scoring chances. With this in mind, Heavy.com is proposing the following trade between the Red Wings and the Chicago Blackhawks.
Detroit Red Wings acquire: Connor Murphy
Chicago Blackhawks acquire: Max Plante, Justin Holl, and a 2028 second-round draft pick.
Connor Murphy is Everything Red Wings Need
Michael Reaves/Getty ImagesChicago Blackhawks defenseman Connor Murphy would be a fantastic addition for the Detroit Red Wings.
Detroit has long sought to improve its defensive play. The ability to disrupt passing and shooting lanes, in particular, is something head coach Todd McLellan values. When it comes to the proverbial “dirty areas” of the game, Murphy is always ready to answer the bell.
Detroit finished the 2024-25 campaign with two players who had 100+ blocked shots and 100+ hits. Moritz Seider and Ben Chiarot put their bodies on the line night in and night out. However, only one other player had 100+ shots blocks, while only two other players had 100+ hits.
Murphy finished the 2024-25 season with 100+ shot blocks and hits. In fact, he’s finished each of the last six seasons with 100+ hits and blocked shots. The last time he failed to achieve this feat was 2018-19. And even then, he had 91 blocked shots and 119 hits.
Murphy shines when defending five-on-five, as well. In fact, he ranks 27th in the NHL for Defensive Goals Above Replacement at even strength dating back to 2019-20, according to Evolving Hockey. Only one player ranked higher — Olli Maatta — ever wore a Red Wings jersey.
There are certainly confounding factors, such as his age and contract status. However, Murphy is everything Detroit is looking for. And he would make a fantastic addition to the Winged Wheel.
Blackhawks Add Intriguing Prospect in Murphy Trade Pitch
Chicago is taking on some salary here by acquiring Holl. However, this trade is more than taking on a bad contract and a high draft pick. Plante is a rather interesting prospect who could carve out a role in Chicago down the line.
Plante was drafted by the Red Wings during the second round of the 2024 NHL Draft. He went on to impress scouts while skating for Michigan State University this past season. He scored nine goals and 19 assists in 23 games for the Spartans.
There are some concerns regarding the young forward that make his projection a bit tricky. He could wind up in the top-six, or not make the NHL at all. However, the playmaking skill is something the Blackhawks would love to develop. And it could pay off in the long run.
Tristin McKinstry Tristin has over 10 years experience writing at various blogs. He has spent the last three years gaining professional experience in the sports media world. He currently works with ClutchPoints and Pro Football & Sports Network alongside Heavy Sports. More about Tristin McKinstry
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