Which Red Wing do you see being traded by the Deadline?
Chris: Nick Leddy is Steve Yzerman’s best trade candidate. If Detroit is out of the playoff hunt at the trade deadline, Leddy could be moved for a 2nd round pick in the 2022 draft.
Alex: Troy Stecher. This is Stecher’s last season on contract with the team. He had a pretty solid season with Detroit last year, finding success paired with Marc Staal and acting as one of the more well-rounded defenseman on the roster (not just a pure defensive blue liner).
However, the organization didn’t find his play important enough to protect him for the expansion draft. With some depth on the defense this season (Gustav Lindstrom and Jordan Oesterle), don’t be surprised if Yzerman decides to maximize value and ship Stecher off at the deadline.
Nate: Tyler Bertuzzi. It wasn’t what Yzerman said in his press conference about the talented forward not taking the COVID vaccine, it was how he said it. Specifically, that Yzerman pointed out both he and his family were vaccinated, a subtle statement when discussing the decision making of a player.
The trickiest part of the deal will be the rules regarding his playing status in Canada. However, a hungry playoff team without Canadian opponents, and possibly some relaxing of rules could find Bertuzzi more expendable by the trade deadline.