Trade Rumors: Red Wings As Buyers
By Peter Fish
March 5, 2013; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Red Wings players celebrate after the game against the Colorado Avalanche at Joe Louis Arena. Detroit won 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Even with the Western Conference standings very packed together, if the Detroit Red Wings win their next few games before the Trade Deadline they would be in a prime spot to add a player or two. The player would more than likely not add the top six forward talent that they desperately need, but could solidify the defensive corps or fill Todd Bertuzzi‘s role on the offense, currently filled by Drew Miller and Justin Abdelkader.
Mar 3, 2013; St. Paul, MN, USA; Edmonton Oilers defenseman Ladislav Smid (5) against the Minnesota Wild at the Xcel Energy Center. The Wild defeated the Oilers 4-2. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Trade: Smid has a big body at 6’3″ 207 and is only 27 years old. He plays big minutes with the Edmonton Oilers and would be a solid 4th defenseman or a very good 5th/6th defenseman. He would not cost very much to trade for.
No Trade: Smid’s offensive output is non-existent and only has two points so far this season. He will become an UFA at the end of the season. If the Red Wing are able to acquire Danny DeKeyser they will not target a defeseman.
Feb 17, 2013; Dallas, TX, USA; Calgary Flames defenseman Anton Babchuk (33) passes the puck during the game against the Dallas Stars at the American Airlines Center. The Flames defeated the Stars 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Trade: Another big bodied, young defenseman; at 6’5″ 200 and 28 years old. He has a right-handed shot and an offensive upside, could replace Ian White on the Wing’s defense. In his first season with the Flames he produced 27 points and although he only played 32 games last season, he produced 10 points.
No Trade: Babchuk has been a healthy scratch for all, but two games this season. He will become an UFA at the end of the season and is not worth a rental price. If the Red Wing are able to acquire Danny DeKeyser they will not target a defeseman.
Mar 7, 2013; Newark, NJ, USA; Buffalo Sabres right wing Drew Stafford (21) skates with the puck during the first period against the New Jersey Devils at the Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim O
Trade: Stafford could be the power forward the Red Wings need and at 27 could fill Todd Bertuzzi‘s role for the next six to eight years in Detroit. He has a solid offensive upside and has produced 50 points in his last two seasons, one 30 goal season and one 20 goal season. He would, also, bring a needed right-hand shot to the offense.
No Trade: Stafford would cost more in a trade because he would not be a rental player and is signed through the 2014-15 season. He is being paid $4 million per season, which is a little bit overpaid, but not by too much.
March19, 2013; Raleigh, NC, USA; Florida Panthers left wing Tomas Fleischmann (14) reacts during the 3rd period against he Carolina Hurricanes at the PNC center. The Panthers defeated the Hurricanes 4-1. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports
Trade: Was drafted by Detroit in 2002 and has become a solid offensive force for the Florida Panthers. He is a young forward at 28 and could immediately step in and fill a role on the Red Wings’ top two lines and at 6’1″ 192 he won’t be pushed around.
No Trade: He will cost a large amount in terms of prospects or drafts pick to trade for and at $4.5 million through 2014-15, he is overpaid by the Florida Panthers
Mar 13, 2013; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Calgary Flames right wing Jarome Iginla (12) takes a shot against Detroit Red Wings during the first period at the Scotiabank Saddledome. Calgary Flames won 5-2. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports
Trade: Iginla recently added Detroit to his list of teams he would waives his NTC for and is a very consistent hockey player; he has netted at least 30 goals in his past 12 seasons. He is a prototypical power forward and would immediately make an impact on Datsyuk’s or Zetterberg’s wing.
No Trade: Will cost too much to bring to Detroit as a rental player. He is 35 and his number of years left in the NHL are up for debate and will be looking for an expensive contract extension.
Those are the players I believe the Red Wings would target at the trade deadline this season if the price was right. Who do you think the Wings should trade for at the deadline?