Red Wings: Three (way too early) Possible Trade Pieces in Detroit

The 2022 NHL trade deadline is still months away, so possible moves at the deadline are probably far from the minds of the Detroit Red Wings organization – especially since the team is currently performing above expectations.

However, the rebuild isn’t quite over yet (although it does seem to be turning a corner). There are still holes along the lineup that should ideally be filled with prospects and young players. Let’s examine some of the possible trading pieces on the roster this year.

Vladislav Namestnikov

As it stands now, Namestnikov is the best trading chip that Detroit currently has. Last year wasn’t anything special for the Russian forward, but 16 games into the season, he has the second most goals on the team (seven) and has been the most effective offense forward in the bottom-six. His best game of the year so far was a two-goal performance against the Edmonton Oilers.

Namestnikov’s contract is just two million dollars, which could be made even cheaper for inquiring teams if Detroit retains some salary. He’s also proven to be pretty versatile as a forward, slotting in as either a center or a winger in the middle/bottom six without really missing a beat (he was a center a few times last season). Although he won’t fetch a massive return, a team looking for forward depth for the playoffs could overpay – especially if he stays hot.

Nick Leddy

It seemed to most fans that Leddy’s role on the team would be to mentor Moritz Seider in his growth as a defenseman. Well, just a few weeks into the season, it seems that Seider doesn’t quite need that sort of mentoring – he’s already the best defenseman on the team.

Now, that’s not to say Leddy has not been a solid addition to the team. He’s a very complimentary defender; he’s helped Filip Hronek improve after a mediocre start and he’s a smart, puck-moving defenseman that can read the ice well. He’s also capable as a power play quarterback.

Leddy has just a one-year contract with the Wings, and with defensive prospects coming up the pipeline, it’s unlikely that he’ll wind up in Detroit next year. Steve Yzerman could recoup some of the capital he used to acquire Leddy at this year’s deadline. Leddy would be a perfect addition for a playoff contender struggling with defensive depth. His $5 million contract is a bit pricy, but salary retention could sweeten the deal.

Troy Stecher

Stecher has just not had a great year in Detroit – through no fault of his own. He’s only played in six games so far, only stepping in when injuries or lineup changes necessitate his presence. Last season, Stecher proved he could be act as a responsible bottom-pairing defender that can occasionally activate offensively. While his start to this season might cheapen his cost at the deadline, there’s a chance a team would be willing to take the risk.

He’s on the last year of his contract making $1.7 million dollars. If Yzerman doesn’t have a use for Stecher this season, he should snag some capital with him at the deadline.