The Detroit Red Wings are looking to make big moves during the 2026 NHL offseason that will get them back to the Stanley Cup Playoffs. As of 2026, the Red Wings have the NHL's longest playoff drought, so Detroit will have to make the playoffs next season. In fact, one NHL insider has labeled one of the NHL's best free agents as a potential fit in Detroit.
The Athletic's Max Bultmann named Seattle Kraken forward Bobby McMann as the free agent Detroit should sign this offseason. McMann, who was traded from the Toronto Maple Leafs to the Kraken at the NHL trade deadline, scored 29 goals and 46 points in 78 games between the two organizations.
The 29-year-old forward would bring much-needed five-on-five attack to Detroit on a potentially big payday. However, who else did Bultmann suggest for the Red Wings?
Other potential NHL free agent targets for the Detroit Red Wings
While McMann was the top selection, Bultmann also suggested other players, including Buffalo Sabers forward Alex Tuch. The 30-year-old forward may be the top NHL free agent on the market, but will Buffalo really let him walk? Tuch has scored more than 30 goals in three of the last four seasons.
Meanwhile, Columbus Blue Jackets forward Mason Marchment was another option. Marchement doesn't provide as much offense as Tuch or McMann, but he could be a cheaper option. However, if Detroit wants to add one of the top free agents, it will have to make a big move or go home.
This leads us to Pittsburgh Penguins forward Evgeni Malkin. The Pittsburgh legend is nearing the end of his career, but he has become a Red Wings fan. Malkin can still score around 20 goals per season, and there's a possibility he'll get a hometown discount for his favorite team as he grows up.
At the end of the day, McMann, along with Tuch, appears to be one of the top options for Detroit. The latter will be a larger pickup; However, there are doubts that it will reach the market. In this case, McMann appears to be one of the top options left.
Either way, the Red Wings need to take a big step forward this offseason to make the 2027 Stanley Cup Playoffs.
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