The Detroit Red Wings lost 3-0 to the Boston Bruins. However, the loss showed more than just a deficit on the scoreboard. The Red Wings have an issue in the lineup, and Boston was able to exploit it. The defense is thin outside of Moritz Seider and Simon Edvinsson, to be certain. Additionally, the forward core struggles to supply a legitimate top six consistently.
Opposing teams are able to focus on just four or five skaters at even strength. Andrew Copp, Patrick Kane and Alex Debrincat make up the team’s most consistent threat. However, outside of that line the results can be mixed at best. Accordingly, the team continues to experiment with line combinations night after night.
To be fair, the Red Wings just completed a four game win streak heading into this game. Still, the team seemed lost for the majority of the second half of a back to back. With the competitive nature of the Atlantic Division, the Red Wings need to try and bounce back quickly to avoid any type of lengthy slide.
Michael Brandsegg-Nygard may be ready to return
General Manger Steve Yzerman is rumored to be working on possible trade options for upgrades. However, an internal candidate may yet be available for the team. Michael Brandsegg-Nygard has progressed nicely since his assignment to the American Hockey League. MBN is fourth in scoring for the Grand Rapids Griffins with 8 goals and 15 assists.
Additionally, MBN has continued to develop the physical side of his game. That is a trait Detroit was sorely lacking in the recent loss to the Bruins. Brandsegg-Nygard stands 6’1” and is listed at around 200 lbs. The right shooting winger has a tremendous release, and is able to battle for position in the crease. In short, it may be time for the team to take another look at their 2024 first round pick.
It is worth noting, however, that if MBN plays one more game in the NHL he will burn through the first year of his entry level contract. Detroit sent him down to the AHL after nine games, and it seems there may be some hesitation in going that route. Three rookies have used up the first year of their ELC this year, and Detroit may not want to see a fourth.
Detroit’s defense needs help, badly
The Red Wings’ greatest need, however, is on the blue line. At this point there doesn’t seem to be an internal upgrade available. Therefore, rumors of possible trades continue to present themselves. One name fans continue to hear is Rasmus Andersson of the Calgary Flames.
Andersson is no stranger to the rumor mill, however the asking price is rumored to be high. Current estimates state that Detroit would have to part with a first round pick and a top prospect. Nate Danielson’s name has been mentioned, although there is no guarantee that the Red Wings would make that deal.
Interestingly, Danielson was recently reassigned to the AHL as he continues to try and find some consistency in his game. The centerman has accrued one goal and one assist in three games since returning to the Griffins. Many project Danielson to be a middle six or bottom six center at the NHL level. If Steve Yzerman were to consider a trade involving Danielson, an extension would likely have to be in place before the deal was done.
