The daily top story on Hockey Hot Stove is powered by Watrhouse Brands, dedicated to quality, consumer education, and awareness: Benevolent Bakery, SoSHEL beverages, and Smokiez vegan fruit chews. Today: Can Red Wings swing an impact trade?
The Detroit Red Wings are on the cusp of making the Stanley Cup playoffs for the first time in a decade. However, the margin for error is incredibly thin. Detroit’s first game back showed some promise as the team beat the Ottawa Senators in overtime. Dylan Larkin looked reenergized after winning Olympic gold, scoring two goals.
Conversely, the team looked flat in a loss to the Carolina Hurricanes just two days later. Detroit was bumped from 2nd in the division to a wild card spot in just one game. Still, the team is having their strongest campaign in over a decade. Getting over the hump, however, may require some outside help.
Detroit has been looking to add a top six forward and top four defenseman since last summer. Consequently, rumors continue to swirl about potential trade targets. Steve Yzerman has less than a week to try and add what could be a crucial piece in getting the team back into the playoffs.
Rumors everywhere, but no deals in sight
The Red Wings were recently linked to defenseman Tyler Myers as a trade target. Myers, however, has a full no movement clause and seems unlikely to waive it at this point. Therefore, Steve Yzerman will have to move on quickly as the trade deadline approaches. Defense is the priority, but Detroit has also been linked to multiple forwards.
Elias Pettersson, also out of Vancouver, has been the most high profile name to surface. Pettersson had some chemistry with Lucas Raymond playing together for Team Sweden. Still, as with Myers, Pettersson has full trade protection and a hefty salary of over $11 million AAV. That type of deal is complicated to put together, and may be too much for Detroit to hope for.
Luke Schenn and Justin Faulk are also rumored trade targets that Steve Yzerman has inquired about. Still, there is no solid indication that either will be obtainable at this point. The rumors abound, but no deals have come to fruition. The Red Wings may have to rely on their current roster to break the post season drought.
Grand Rapids Griffins clinch playoff spot
Detroit’s AHL affiliate, the Grand Rapids Griffins, however have already secured a playoff birth. The Griffins have had an historic season, and were the first AHL team to secure a post season spot. The team clinched with 20 games still remaining in the season, an impressive feat to be sure.
Prospect Michael Brandsegg-Nygard has been on fire for the team lately. MBN has scored 7 goals in his past 6 games, and now has 15 on the season. His development is encouraging, as MBN is also bringing a physical element to his overall game. However, it may be difficult for Brandsegg-Nygard to grab a call up at this point. If he plays one more game in the NHL, he will burn the first year of his entry level contract.
Amadeus Lombardi has also been lighting up the scoreboard for Grand Rapids. Lombardi has 10 points in his past five games, including back to back overtime winning goals. Lombardi’s season was derailed a bit by injury, but he’s now got 33 points in 33 games played. Both Lombardi and MBN could be battling for a roster spot next season for Detroit. The future certainly looks bright for Detroit, as Grand Rapids continues to roll this season.
Ristolainen for Nate Danielson. Who says no?
Anyone connected to the Red Wings.
Let LA have Petey. There he will be PLD 2.0.
Myers can be done without. Trevor van Remsdyke is said to be available. Perbix too, They are not needle movers but are depth. I want Schneider. Trocheck too! VERY EXPENSIVE!!!
Could grab a good lefty and move either Chiarot or AlJo to the right side. My dream would be Gavrikov then!