The Daily: Christmas Comes Friday in NHL; Devils Must Act

It’s five days to NHL Christmas, otherwise known as Trade Deadline Day. NHL fans treat it like a holiday. Gifts are always passed out. Good NHL teams receive the third-line center they desperately wanted or that hard-to-find shutdown defenseman.

Even fans from bad NHL teams land gifts. Some get a first-round pick or prospects. Some teams offer late round picks like they are Christmas cookies.

The Red Wings, on a quest to make the playoffs for the first time in nine years, are exploring their options at defense and forward. It might be more challenging for NHL buyers this season because so many teams are in the wildcard race.

The Ultimate NHL Trade Deadline 2025 Big Board by @espn 🔥

Check the full article out! 8 groups of players. #RaiseUp Mikko Rantanen, #NHLBruins Brad Marchand, #Canucks Elias Pettersson are among mentioned stars

* Seth Jones, Gustav Nyquist, Ryan Lindgren have already been… https://t.co/pAeskI2Fmh pic.twitter.com/IrJ6CJnRIS

— Benchrates (@benchrates) March 3, 2025

Several deals have already happened, including the Florida Panthers getting Seth Jones and Colorado landing Ryan Lindgren.

It’s been reported that the Red Wings have interest in Buffalo forward Dylan Cozens. However, we hear that if the Sabres trade Cozens, it would be a hockey trade and not a trade for draft picks and prospects. We don’t see much of a fit for the Red Wings and Sabres on a hockey trade.

Red Wings In Case You Missed It

Disappointed Detroit defenseman Simon Edvinsson had little to say about the missed high sticking call.

Not every player follows the trials and tribulations of every playoff rival, but Joe Veleno does.

Detroit’s two losses to the Columbus Blue Jackets have allowed rivals to close the gap.

Red Wings Extra

Detroit’s next game is Tuesday against the Carolina Hurricanes. This will be the ‘Canes third game in four nights. They beat the Calgary Flames 2-1 on Sebastian Aho’s overtime goal. Carolina has five OT wins and Aho has the GWG in all of this wins. That ties the NHL regular-season record owned by Brad Marchand, Boston Bruins, 2017-18; Alex Galchenyuk, Montreal Canadiens, 2016-17; Jonathan Toews, Chicago Blackhawks, 2015-16; Steven Stamkos, Tampa Bay Lightning, 2011-12.

Hockey Now Network

Chicago: Greg Boysen believes everyone wins in the Seth Jones deal. Chicago Blackhawks. 

New Jersey: Jack Hughes injury may force Devils to act more aggressively before the NHL trade deadline. New Jersey Devils. 

Pittsburgh: Defenseman Erik Karlsson addresses all of the NHL trade rumors circling him. Pittsburgh Penguins.