The Red Wings Are "In Some Trouble" and the Entire NHL Is Watching What Happens Next

The Stanley Cup dust has *barely* settled in Carolina, with the Hurricanes hoisting the hardware, but for the rest of the NHL, it's already a whole new season. We’re just a week out from the 2026 NHL Draft, with the first round hitting on June 26 and the rest wrapping up on June 27. Every squad in the league, from Cup contenders to rebuilding clubs, is looking to stock up their pipelines. Our Kraken are always grinding, and while we're not talking specific picks for our boys just yet, it's wild to see what other teams are desperate for, and how they’re looking to build for the future.

Detroit's Desperate Situation and What It Means

Man, when you look at some of these teams, you realize how crucial a good pipeline is. Take the Detroit Red Wings, for instance. After trading away their first-round pick to St. Louis *and* missing the playoffs, the word is they're "in some trouble." That’s a tough spot to be in, Emerald City. They’ve only got a 2nd, 3rd, 5th, 6th, and two 7th-rounders from Calgary. Their biggest need? Left-handed defensemen. Seriously, from the main roster down through their prospects, they’re short on high-caliber left-siders on the blue line. There's talk about a potential Dylan Larkin trade, and that return could totally reshape their prospect pool. Whether that happens before or after the draft is a huge question mark, but you can bet bolstering that left side D is their number one priority. It just shows you how fast things can go sideways, even for storied franchises.

Other Teams' Big Bets and Urgent Needs

It's not just Detroit facing big d

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ecisions, though. The Boston Bruins are seriously hurting for right-handed defensemen. They snagged a 1st, 2nd, 3rd, three 4ths, and a 7th, so they’ve got plenty of shots to grab guys like Tommy Bleyl or Giorgos Pantelas. They *really* wanted Keaton Verhoeff, but Toronto won the lottery, so that dream faded. Meanwhile, the Buffalo Sabres have done a good job building their pool, so they’re pretty well-rounded. But they still need a left winger with some size for their top-six and their left side on defense is a clear weakness. With just one pick in the first three rounds, an Edmonton 1st by the way, they’ll likely go for the best player available, with targets like Adam Novotny on their radar. Then there are the Florida Panthers. They’re in a totally different spot, not looking for "futures" but rather someone who can step into the lineup *immediately*. After a season riddled with injuries, they’re aiming for serious Cup contention next year. They’ve got a 1st, two 2nds, and a few later picks. There’s a 50-50 chance they trade their first-rounder, but if Alberts Smits is still on the board, he’s apparently the "most NHL-ready defender." It’s a completely different approach from the rebuilding teams, showing you the diverse strategies playing out league-wide. The 2026 NHL Draft is right around the corner, June 26 and 27. It's gonna be wild seeing how these teams navigate their needs and try to build their next generation. Rachel Kryshak, that data whiz, laid out some serious truths about the state of these pipelines. It's a stark reminder that even with all the talent in the world, the future is always being built, pick by pick. Can't wait to see how the landscape shifts!

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.