Connor McDavid Traded to the Detroit Red Wings? What It Would Actually Take

The Edmonton center is already unhappy with a first-round exit, so Detroit wouldn’t be a viable destination. Therefore, the Red Wings have to put themselves back in a spot where superstar players would want to join the team. Right now, there isn’t as much appeal as other organizations in Detroit.

This is the first step in the mission to trade for McDavid. Even if the Red Wings can make a Buffalo Sabres-style jump during the 2026-27 NHL season, McDavid would have to do work on his end to be a Red Wing.

Connor McDavid must request a trade with Detroit as a destination

Brian Bradshaw Sevald-Imagn Images

The most crucial step for the Red Wings is McDavid requesting a trade from the Oilers. It would be nearly impossible for Edmonton to trade McDavid without a demand or realization that he won’t stay long-term. If McDavid requests a trade or expresses his desire to leave, the Red Wings have to be one of the preferred destinations.

This ties back to Detroit becoming an appealing landing spot. If the Red Wings miss the 2027 Stanley Cup Playoffs, this all becomes irrelevant. However, if Detroit can make massive improvements and become a contender, then all of this changes. McDavid might have more desire to play in Detroit at that point.

Even in this scenario, Detroit wouldn’t be the only team that wants McDavid on its roster. Other organizations would push to acquire the 29-year-old superstar, creating a bidding war for his services. After all, the same bidding war happened when the Minnesota Wild acquired Quinn Hughes.

The Red Wings didn’t want to pull the trigger without a long-term contract extension, and they failed to land Hughes. In the scenario where Detroit improves to a Stanley Cup contender, and McDavid requests a trade, the organization would likely need a similar commitment.

Connor McDavid is unlikely to join the Red Wings during his NHL career. However, if all of these scenarios transpire, it gives Detroit a chance to land one of the NHL’s biggest superstars.

Read More: Detroit Red Wings Expected to Make Blockbuster Trade in 2026 NHL Offseason

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