Red Wings: Analyzing 3 Possible Trade Partners in the East Division

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With the trade deadline quickly approaching, Steve Yzerman is likely finalizing his list of possible destinations for numerous Red Wings trade assets. One of the divisions that’s full of teams willing to buy is the East division – the Bruins, Flyers, Penguins, Islanders and Capitals are all teams that will probably lean towards buying at the deadline. Earlier, we looked at three Central Division teams and what they could yield. (Note: it was written before the Red Wings announced they were shutting Bobby Ryan down for the season).

For this piece we’ll look at the Bruins, Flyers and Penguins. With the playoffs right around the corner, each team is looking for that final piece to propel them to contention. Knowing that Patrik Nemeth garnered a ’22 fourth round pick from Colorado, we have at least a baseline for what other players could possibly bring back in the way of a draft pick.

Boston Bruins

Cap Space: $5.24 Million

Red Wings In Play: Adam Erne

The Bruins are a team that need to add if they want to vie for more than just playoff contention. At fourth in the East and six points ahead of the Flyers, the Bruins will likely be a team in the playoffs this year, but currently, they do not look like a team that can raise the Cup. At least not yet.

They have struggled mightily with depth scoring this year. They’ve been shutout three times this year, and outside of the top line, few have produced consistently. That’s where Adam Erne comes in. He provides a much needed commodity for Boston – depth scoring. Erne is a top six on the team in points, and third in goals with nine, behind only Dylan Larkin and Robby Fabbri (both at ten goals).

Best Case:

2nd rounder.

In a best case for Detroit, the Bruins get desperate and give up a second rounder for Erne to bolster their scoring.

Realistic:

2021 3rd round pick or 2022 3rd–conditional 2nd based on Erne’s performance or Boston’s success (conference finals) in the playoffs.

Philadelphia Flyers

Cap Space: $4.6 Million

Red Wings In Play: Jonathan Bernier

The Flyers are a team far more desperate than the Bruins. Six points behind Boston, Philly is a team that needs to make a change if they want a playoff spot. They are a talented team struggling to put it together–as many expected this to be the year where they took the logical step toward Stanley Cup contention. One of the biggest reasons for their struggles has been the mediocre play of their projected franchise goaltender, Carter Hart. His save percentage is currently sitting at .873, and fellow goaltender Brian Elliott has actually surpassed that percentage with an .890 save percentage.

However, Carter Hart is a young player at just 22. While he’s still figuring things out, it’s far too early to write him off.

This is why Red Wings goaltender Jonathan Bernier could be of interest: some insurance for Hart while providing the Flyers and their young goalie a confidence boost. Sporting a save percentage of .910 on a struggling team, Bernier is one of Detroit’s better trade assets. With the Flyers reportedly shopping for a goaltender and Detroit possibly unloading one, this could be a perfect match.

Best Case:

Jonathan Bernier: ’21 or ’22 2nd round pick

The Flyers get desperate at the deadline, and pay the premium for reliable goaltending.

Realistic:

Jonathan Bernier: ’21 or ’22 3rd round pick

The Flyers play hardball because of Bernier’s rough performance against the Predators coupled with some injuries this season. They decide to play it a bit safer with a 3rd rounder.

Pittsburgh Penguins

Cap Space: $2.03 Million

Red Wings In Play: Erne, Sam Gagner, Luke Glendening

The Penguins are another team in the East looking for another crack at the Cup – but at third in the division, they are looking for a way to solidify their footing in the playoff race. They are seeking players that can help right now. According to NHL.com’s Michelle Crechiolo, GM Ron Hextall is looking for a physical top nine winger to round out the team.

This is where Gagner, and Glendening come in. If you want that player who can shuffle between the third and fourth line seamlessly while making an impact on special teams, Glendening are two cheaper options. Both have contracts that work with the Penguins limited cap space (Glendening $1.7 million, Gagner $850,000), sport veteran experience and can bolster the lower lines of a good team. Let’s not forget Glendening’s faceoff prowess.

Erne is a solid choice as well however he could cost more as a result of his deluge of goals. The Flyers would maybe have to pay a little bit more during his negotiations this summer, which could hurt the Wings return.

Best Case:

Erne: ’22 2rd round pick

Gagner: ’22 4th round pick

Glendening: ’22 2nd round

The Penguins have already traded away most of their ’21 draft picks, so it’s unlikely they part with the lone 2nd round pick they have this year. But they might sell off some future assets to make one final run with the current core.

Realistic:

Erne: ’22 3rd or 4th round pick

Gagner: ’22 5th round pick

Glendening: ’22 3rd round pick or ’23 3rd round pick

The Penguins end up refusing to give anything better than a middle to lower tier pick to bolster the team. The Wings only make these deals if Yzerman is hell bent on selling away the team at the deadline.

Next. Which Central Division Teams could make a deal with the Wings for Draft Picks?. dark

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