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.
Andersson will need 3 1st round assets to get because of the bidding war. So that would be Nate, a 1st and Kasper. You could give that to Van for Petey instead. Yes, Petey is back in the rumor mill, again. There will not be as much of a bidding war for Petey because of his $11.6M cap hit will 2032! Another RD one could go for when Fox gets back to playing for the Rangers around Feb 1, would be one of Will Borgen or Braden Schnieder. Either one can play 2nd pairing behind Fox, and if Morrow can handle the 3rd pairing then Will or Braden should be traded. Braden needs to be re-signed this July and will cost over $5M AAV. Will makes $4M+. Braden has more upside and is younger and will cost more to get. Will is at prime and is what he is. I dunno which Drury will trade, but either one is very capable to handle 2nd pairing.
Seeing Pettersson in the rumor mill is intriguing to say the least. The bidding for Andersson could easily get out of hand, and i agree. Shift focus to a potential new 1C. Brayden certainly fits what you think of Yzerman possibly looking at, as the O’Reilly cost was way too high and Nashville’s play may have pulled him off of the market. Lots of good points. I don’t know if Fox would ever really become available, but I’d certainly take a look if he did! Thanks for the drop in!!!
NYR announced that they are sellers! Schneider may be available! Would love to get him ASAP! Trocheck would be the only other Ranger I would be interested in, but I bet they keep him.
I feel like the wings actually need two defensmen. a number 3 and a number 4 to make a new second pairing. Charot and ASP would be a fantastic third pairing but if you were to split them up ASP would need someone physical to play with. When Johansson and him are on the ice together they really get pushed around and hemmed in by physical forwards. The names I would look at are Andersson, Faulk, Schneider. But I doubt any will be available at a reasonable price. I kind of don’t expect Yzerman to add anyone before the trade deadline.
Detroit has definitely looked at Andersson and have been linked to Faulk. Faulk, at this point, is supposedly teh #2 option after Andersson is off the market. Yzerman worked on getting Hughes, but it’s rumored the ask was Edvinsson. If they don’t add, i think it will be prices just being too high. For certain they’re linked in several discussions at this point. I wouldn’t mind a couple pieces but if they can add on top 4 d and one top 6 forward i think it will go a long way. Thanks for dropping in!