Seider Takes Over in Toronto: Red Wings Win a Playoff Game in January

Jan 23, 2026 • 1:17:57

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Episode Notes

The Red Wings are winning, developing internally, and staring straight at a trade market that’s getting more expensive by the day.

We start with a quick results check, including Detroit’s win over San Jose, the OT win against Ottawa, and tonight’s game vs. Toronto (updated after puck drop). Marco Kasper’s breakout performance against the Sharks is a key part of that conversation, raising an important question as the deadline approaches: how much help does Detroit truly need from outside versus growth from within?

From there, we pivot to the trade market.

With Rasmus Andersson off the board and the Feb. 4 Olympic roster freeze looming, early trades are carrying a premium. Using The Score’s updated trade board as context, we break down why January has quietly become the new deadline — and why Detroit can’t afford to chase urgency.

What we’re breaking down in this episode:

Why Detroit can’t overpay Early buyers are paying more to beat the freeze. The Wings need discipline, not panic, especially with their recent form and internal momentum.
The Olympic freeze effect How roster certainty, leverage, and timing are inflating prices — and why patience may actually be Detroit’s advantage.
Defense options after Andersson Who realistically fits the Wings’ blue-line needs without mortgaging the future:

Dougie Hamilton
Justin Faulk

Forward upgrades worth discussing Skill, grit, and lineup impact — not just name recognition:

Vincent Trocheck
Elias Pettersson
Jordan Kyrou
Robert Thomas

We separate realistic fits from fantasy trades, discuss contract structure and playoff impact, and explain why not every “available” star actually makes sense for Detroit’s window.

The bottom line:
The Red Wings are in a position of leverage. They don’t need to win January — they need to make the right move. This episode is about how Detroit can upgrade its defense, add grit scoring if needed, and still avoid paying the Olympic tax.

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