Right now, the Red Wings feel like they’re in absolute free-fall.

After (yet another) loss last night, the Red Wings are out of playoff contention. The goaltending looks like ass. The offense can’t score. The defense has about 1.5 competent players per game. The feel good story of Carter Mazur lasted for about a total of 1 minute and 34 seconds.

 Understandably, many looked at the trade deadline as a way to do something- and while few were calling for the Wings to go make a move for someone like Marchand, Nelson, or Rantanen, many sensible fans were hoping to use this as an opportunity to move a contract like Tarasenko for draft capital. So, when this came across my timeline, I felt more confusion than anything else:

UPDATE: The #RedWings have acquired forward Craig Smith and goaltender Petr Mrazek from the Chicago Blackhawks in exchange for Joe Veleno. pic.twitter.com/XV7DsaRMtq

— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) March 7, 2025

Veleno, whatever. He never panned out to be the guy he was selected to be, but he was also never a player that offended any fan with his performance on the ice. I’m not going to lie and pretend that 35 year old Craig Smith means anything to me either. He’s clearly just a plus-side depth forward. And Petr Mrazek? Been there, done that. If anything, the extra 4 million tied up in a goalie for another year just makes you go, “huh?”, considering that you’ve already got Lyon, Talbot, and Campbell in the mix, plus Cossa and Augustine in waiting. I think the most frustrating move the Wings made at the deadline, was one that San Jose made:

#SJSharks acquire a conditional 2026 1st-round pick and forward Carl Berglund from the Oilers in exchange for Jake Walman.@Shift4 | #TheFutureIsTeal

— San Jose Sharks (@SanJoseSharks) March 7, 2025

When I am on my deathbed, and the last DMT compound floods my synapses, I will see Walman hit the gritty and the announcement that the Red Wings traded him away, plus a second round pick. I love Yzerman. I trust the Yzerplan. Everything surrounding Jake Walman makes no sense to me. If we’re going to start criticizing Stevie, this move feels like a true turning point amongst fans, and it continues to age like milk.

The Red Wings were never going to be a legit playoff threat this year. But, given how last year played out, I think it’s fair to say that most fans expected them to make the playoffs this year. As the Red Wings falter, it’s clear that the cavalry is not coming. Luckily, the Wings still have everything in front of them, and this team is more than capable of getting hot. Whether or not they will, remains to be seen.