Report: GM Standing Pat

Don't you just love this time of the year, hockey fans? 

You know, the time of the year where trade rumors begin to run rampant a month and a half before the March 1st deadline? 

Well, in the case of the Detroit Red Wings and their thus-far tumultuous "Farewell Season at the Joe" that could mark the end of the team's 25 consecutive postseason appearances, it appears that general manager Ken Holland is not ready to be a seller at the Trade Deadline. 

This can certainly lead to a little confusion, as many Red Wings fans are all-but-certain that the team's chances of making it into the Stanley Cup playoffs is a long shot, and that it's time for the organization to strongly consider a rebuilding process. 

Just don't tell Holland that, who spoke with Nicholas J. Cotsonika of NHL.com earlier and preached patience:

"I want to give our team every opportunity to try to play our way into the mix," he said. The "mix" that he's referring to here is evidently the postseason, although Holland is realistic regarding the timeline before making any brash decisions. 

Reportedly, if the team is sitting outside of a playoff position during the last week of February (where they only have one contest), the long-serving general manager is ready to start making a few calls. 

While offense might not necessarily be the biggest shortcoming of this team, fans have had no issues pointing out a glaring lack of depth on the blue line. Realistically speaking, will the addition of a defenseman guarantee that the Red Wings make it into the Spring dance?