Red Wings: Analyzing 3 Central Teams Who Might Deal Draft Picks

Apr 8, 2021; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Red Wings goaltender Jonathan Bernier (45) makes the save on Nashville Predators defenseman Tyler Lewington (2) defended by defenseman Jon Merrill (24) in the third period at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 8, 2021; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Red Wings goaltender Jonathan Bernier (45) makes the save on Nashville Predators defenseman Tyler Lewington (2) defended by defenseman Jon Merrill (24) in the third period at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
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Florida Panthers

Deadline Cap Space: $16.41m
A Red Wings player they could be interested in: Anthony Mantha; Bobby Ryan; Marc Staal
What could the Wings get back best case? Depends on the player. Potentially, a first round pick if Mantha is involved. For Staal, a third round pick contingent on how far the Panthers go. Ryan could *maybe* fetch a second round pick if the Wings deal a third or fourth with him.
What is a realistic return? Ryan – ’21 or ’22 3rd Round pick.
Staal with salary retained – ’21 or 22 4th round pick.
Mantha – ’21 or ’22 1st round pick (but would be a creative deal)

This is where Mantha could be in play. The Panthers just cleared out cap room with their trade with Chicago on Thursday. Could Mantha, who would provide a punch to their forward depth, possibly garner a first round pick? Ryan would be more realistic and a cheap add for Florida both contract wise and in terms of what they’d give up. Staal would provide more depth since the Panthers lost Aaron Ekblad. Though it’s clearly not the same in skill level, he brings playoff experience and Joel Quenneville loves veteran players.