Detroit Red Wings' Biggest Needs and Best Trade Fits at the Deadline

The Detroit Red Wings are in the middle of one of their best seasons in recent memory, and there's a good chance general manager Ken Holland will look to bolster his roster ahead of the trade deadline.

The Red Wings have a number of assets who could be shipped out of town for an upgrade, and there are a number of available players who could really help put Detroit in a position to make a lengthy playoff run.

There are no guarantees Detroit will go all out at the trade deadline, but here are the biggest needs that could be filled before March 2.

Top-Pairing Offensive Defender

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What's The Need: Top Pairing Defender

Possible Fits: Keith Yandle, Arizona Coyotes

The Detroit Red Wings have Niklas Kronwall as a No. 1 defender, but outside of that, there is no top-echelon defender who can be deployed in a high-pressure situation. The Red Wings wanted to sign Ryan Suter when he was a free agent a few summers ago, and there is still a desire to add another quality blueliner.

The Wings have interest in Keith Yandle of the Arizona Coyotes, and he'd add some depth to the Detroit blue line. Not only is Yandle an offensive defender who can run a power play, but he's also solid in his own end.

Scoring Right Winger

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What's The Need: Scoring Right Winger

Possible Fits: Cam Atkinson, Columbus Blue Jackets

The Detroit Red Wings have talented scoring wingers like Gustav Nyquist, Tomas Tatar and Justin Abdelkader, but they lack a dynamic winger who shoots right-handed. While this isn't a major issue, it is something that the Red Wings will probably look to address before the trade deadline.

The team's scoring depth has been solid this season, so a second-liner like Cam Atkinson could fit the bill. Atkinson is on pace to finish with about 20 goals, and that's a respectable number that would add depth to Detroit's right side.

Veteran Bottom-Six Center

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What's The Need: Veteran Bottom-Six Center

Possible Fits: David Legwand, Ottawa Senators

Strong center depth is key for Stanley Cup teams, and the 2013-14 Los Angeles Kings are the most recent example of this. The Kings were able to dominate the New York Rangers down the middle, and the Wings could stand to add a veteran bottom-six center in the event that Riley Sheahan struggles.

Sheahan is having a solid season, but he's never played in the playoffs. David Legwand was acquired by Detroit for a playoff run last season, and it may be worth it to see if Ottawa would deal him before March 2.

Utility Winger

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What's The Need: Utility Winger

Possible Fits: Daniel Winnik, Toronto Maple Leafs

The Red Wings have been successful this season because they have had a number of young players step up in a big way, but there is no guarantee the success will continue in the playoffs. For that reason, it would make sense to add a veteran utility winger who can play in multiple roles if needed. 

The ideal candidate would be Daniel Winnik, a versatile winger who can skate in the top six or play a bottom-six role in addition to killing penalties.

Top-Four Defensive Defender

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What's The Need: Top-Four Defensive Defenseman

Possible Fits: Dion Phaneuf, Toronto Maple Leafs

In addition to adding an offensive defender, the Wings may want to consider adding a top-four defensive defender for good measure.

The Wings can do a lot better than Kyle Quincey, Brendan Smith and Jonathan Ericsson, and adding someone of caliber would just push them into roles in which they are better suited. The Fourth Period has linked the Wings to Dion Phaneuf, and it would be a worthwhile move if Toronto retains salary. 

Phaneuf in a reduced role would be great for Detroit, especially when you consider he wouldn't have to deal with intense media scrutiny. He isn't as bad as some make him out to be, and there's reason to believe he'd thrive in a new market.

Stats via Hockey Reference, and rumors via The Fourth Period.