The Detroit Red Wings are reportedly exploring a bold trade proposal that could bring veteran winger Evander Kane to Hockeytown in a move aimed at ending the team’s nine-season playoff drought. According to a trade idea floated by Heavy.com, the Red Wings would acquire Kane and a 2025 third-round pick (via St. Louis) from the Edmonton Oilers in exchange for young forward Jonatan Berggren.
For Detroit, this deal would be a calculated risk with high potential upside. Kane, a 13-year NHL veteran, brings grit, goal-scoring ability, and valuable postseason experience. Despite missing the 2024–25 regular season due to injury, he contributed 12 points (6 goals, 6 assists) in 21 playoff games as the Oilers reached the Stanley Cup Final. Entering the final year of a four-year, $20.5 million contract, Kane could slot into the Red Wings’ middle six as a power forward with a leadership edge.
The price Detroit would pay—Jonatan Berggren—reflects a shift in the team’s depth chart and timeline. Berggren, 24, has shown flashes of offensive potential but hasn’t carved out a consistent role in Detroit’s lineup. With 24 points in 75 games last season, he remains a promising RFA who could benefit from a change of scenery. Edmonton, looking to shed Kane’s contract, would get a younger, more affordable forward to support its high-powered top six.
While Edmonton is reportedly shopping Kane this summer, the winger still holds trade value, and league insiders believe there will be interest. “Kane was a really effective player,” The Fan Hockey Show’s Elliotte Friedman noted. “I think there will be a market for him.” That said, Kane has a 16-team no-trade list and may be hesitant to relocate after recently expanding his family—factors that could complicate trade talks.
For Detroit, the deal would signal a more aggressive posture under general manager Steve Yzerman, who recently hinted at a willingness to pursue impactful moves. “We’re going to look at any player that can help us in any role,” Yzerman said at his year-end press conference. “If there’s a player worthy of spending… and fits a need for us, absolutely we would try to do that.” With a young core in place, Detroit appears ready to accelerate its rebuild.
Whether or not the Kane deal materializes, the message from Detroit’s front office is clear: the time to make the playoffs is now. Yzerman underscored that expectations have shifted. “You’re trying to win and aiming for Stanley Cups. That’s what we’re trying to do here.” With cap flexibility and young talent, the Red Wings are well-positioned to make waves this offseason—starting with a potential Kane acquisition.
