Trade Rumors: Detroit Red Wings As Sellers
By Peter Fish
Feb 17, 2013; St. Paul, MN, USA; Detroit Red Wings head coach Mike Babcock talks to his players during the first period against the Minnesota Wild at the Xcel Energy Center. The Wild defeated the Red Wings 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
The Detroit Red Wings have been very inconsistent this season and are currently sitting in 6th place in the Western Conference. The Western Conference is in a log jam though, 1 point separate the Wings from 4th place and 3 points separates them from 9th place, anything could happen. If the Wings do not believe they will make the play-offs expect the Red WIngs to become sellers at the Trade Deadline. If that happens these guys could be on the block.
March 22, 2013; Anaheim, CA, USA; Detroit Red Wings center Valtteri Filppula (51) moves the puck against the defense of Anaheim Ducks defenseman Toni Lydman (32) during the third period at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Why he could be traded: Filppula is on his last year of his deal and could be on his way out of Detroit. The Red Wings would prefer not to lose him for nothing and if out out the playoff race could be looking to deal him to a contender looking for another top six forward. Filppula is coming off of a career year which saw him notch 66 points in 81 games. So far this season he has 0nly put up 13 points in 24 games, but he can take face-offs and is very good defensively.
Why he will not be traded: Pavel Datsyuk is on what will probably be his last contract in the NHL and it ends after next season. At this moment the Red Wings only have one play on the roster that could fill his role at center, that person is Filppula. Filppula is in no way as good as Datsyuk, but he would be able to fill the centerman role on a second for the Red Wings until Calle Jarnkrok or another prospect is ready.
Mar 16, 2013; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Vancouver Canucks defenseman Dan Hamhuis (2) is checked by Detroit Red Wings right wing Daniel Cleary (11) during the second period at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports
Why he could be traded: Once again, The Red Wings would be looking for a return off of an expiring contract. Cleary would bring experience and flexibility to whichever team traded for him. Cleary can play bigger minute against tougher competition or he could play third line grinding minutes. Cleary brings the wealth of Stanley Cup knowledge with him wherever he would go and could be a strong asset to a young team.
Why he will not be traded: The amount of return the Red Wings would receive for Cleary would be little to none and most teams are not looking for third line grinders at the trade deadline.
Mar 13, 2013; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Detroit Red Wings right wing Johan Franzen (93) takes a shot against Calgary Flames during the first period at the Scotiabank Saddledome. Calgary Flames won 5-2. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports
Why he could be traded: He is a pure goal scorer with a big frame and has the ability to put up 40 goals a season. With all his offensive abilities he is also responsible on the defensive side of the game. He has 7 years left on his deal, but at a cap hit of under 4 million, which make him very attractive to other teams. He would not be a rental player which means he would cost more, but he could be a solid addition to any team.
Why he will not be traded: Franzen is the biggest forward that the Wings have on the roster and the only true power forward on the team, while Bertuzzi is out at least. When he is on he is the biggest weapon the Wings have on offense and can score from anywhere on the ice.
Feb 17, 2013; St. Paul, MN, USA; Detroit Red Wings defenseman Ian White (18) against the Minnesota Wild at the Xcel Energy Center. The Wild defeated the Red Wings 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Why he could be traded: Expiring contract, which means no long term commitment, and he can play the big minutes if needed. He has worn out his welcome a bit in Detroit and some new scenery could regulative him. Teams would not have to give up much in terms of draft picks to deal for him either.
Why he will not be traded: With the Red Wings defense being a who’s who of injured players, trading a defender would not be the smartest idea. Plus he is the Wings only right’handed shot on defense.
Those are the players I believe the Red Wings would be willing to part with this season if the price was right. Who do you think the Wings would be willing to trade at the deadline?