Detroit Red Wings Trade Candidates: Staal, Ryan and Bernier

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What a difference a few weeks make for the Detroit Red Wings and Marc Staal. The former Rangers defenseman acquired in a deal for a second round pick was becoming a target for Red Wings fans when it came to poor positioning and what felt like opposing forwards blowing past him.

Two goals in three games later, and now there’s a shift in the conversation. With a quarter of the season gone, and the Red Wings 3-10-2 with another lottery pick all but secured, could the Red Wings possibly flip Staal to a contending team?

He’s one of three Red Wings that could be candidates to be on the move. April 12th may still be a couple months away, it’s never too early to take a look.

Staal is already playing nearly a minute more on the ice this season and even in the midst of what is becoming a goal or two. Think about it: Staal is the leading scorer on the blue line for Detroit. He’s just about 50-50 in his zone starts and while he’s been prone to defensive lapses, usually when he’s trying to keep the play alive in the offensive zone. But can you blame him? Detroit needs all the help it can get and Staal has provided it twice now.

What could he fetch? If the Red Wings ate half of the salary for the remainder of the season, I could see a prospect or possibly a 4th round pick, which could actually be a third if the right situation came along. Remember, Yzerman got a 4th for Mike Green and had Edmonton actually advanced to the Western Conference Final, it could have been a third.

#2: Bobby Ryan

I’m going on the record saying I love Bobby Ryan. I would actually love to see him re-signed to another one-year or even two-year deal as Detroit continues to evolve into what is hopefully a contender down the road. He’s the type of player who can be the still skilled, savvy veteran who younger teammates gravitate to. While the Red Wings would sink money into the past-their-prime veteran who was a band-aid, Ryan is in a unique circumstance where he can still impact the scoresheet and contribute in a way both on the ice and in the locker room.

So if the opportunity presented itself, could the Red Wings possibly snare a first round pick for him? In their favor is his term, low AAV, and the fact that he’s having an impact on a team that is starved for scoring. If he goes to a team where he could put them over the top, and it’ll be a lower 1st round pick, it could be possible. Think Toronto, Vegas, or even Montreal. I would suggest Edmonton but they’re already missing their 2nd and 3rd round picks. But it is Ken Holland, who loves veterans–and could be enticed—-maybe by sending him his 2nd back, to offer up that first round pick.

The more likely scenario is Ryan nets a second but why not dream? Should Ryan continue to play well and score a few more goals, the right deal could be made. Playoff wins rely on timely scoring, and Ryan is certainly one who can provide that for the right team.

#3: Jonathan Bernier

Don’t underestimate the market for a goalie, especially in the era of taxi squads and tandems that have been used in year’s playoff (think Carolina). Though Jonathan Bernier has been hurt this season (and remains out), he’s on an expiring contract and could be flipped to the right team in need once healthy. He’s been one of the consistent performers for Detroit when healthy and until last week, was the only Red Wings goalie who could seemingly get a win.

He also, Washington could be a candidate. After the Henrik Lundqvist signing unfortunately didn’t work out due to a heart condition, the Caps could use some insurance in net for a longer playoff run. They’re also in a competitive division so having said insurance in net could go a long way. Montreal again sticks out, especially being flush with 2nd and 3rd round picks along with Carey Price, who has struggled with injuries in the past. Though they have Jake Allen, that crucial depth in the net is what can be the difference between a stunning first round ouster and a long playoff run.Again, it’s still a couple months away but it ‘s definitely something to watch.

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Finally, the Colorado Avalanche, who are certainly in the conversation for a Stanley Cup run, could be another target. With Pavel Francouz out, Bernier could fill in there. Though it wouldn’t be a high pick, it could be a prospect or mid round pick that gives another spin at the draft wheel, while also getting something for an expiring contract.

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