Detroit Red Wings: Could Steve Yzerman make a pre-draft trade?

The Detroit Red Wings are preparing for the 2023 NHL Entry Draft, which will take place at the end of the month on June 28th and 29th in Nashville, Tenn., as the Predators play host. However, General Manager (GM) Steve Yzerman and his front office may also have a few things in the works before the draft day even arrives.

Regarding the Detroit Red Wings offseasons of the past few years, Yzerman has never shied away from making deals and doing what he can to make an improvement. I’m not saying he’s gone out and made blockbuster deals, but he’s not afraid to shift things around.

Especially when it comes to draft capital, Yzerman will flip things around even before the draft comes around. But, this year, it seems that the Red Wings may be in play to make some more significant moves.

There have been some early rumblings when it comes to trade rumors and even some pre-draft trade rumors, which leaves room to wonder if something might be in the works. There have been some rumors that the team could be a trade suitor for several players.

Could a pre-draft trade be on the way for the Detroit Red Wings?

One of the names that pique the interest of myself as a fan is Alex DeBrincat. There have been some rumblings that the Senators and Red Wings could be a match to get DeBrincat out of Ottawa. The Michigan native has reportedly asked to be traded or at least has voiced his displeasure with playing for the Senators. It could leave an opportunity for the Red Wings to step in.

Besides that, the Winnipeg Jets have been another club that could be in contact with Detroit. They have two Michigan natives that may be on the market. Goaltender Connor Hellebuyck was labeled as a possible player on the way out and someone that the Locked On Red Wings Podcast talked about recently. However, I do not see the Red Wings bailing on Ville Husso that quickly.

On top of that, Kyle Connor is another Michigan native who very much so could be a player for the Red Wings to target. He’s a goal-scoring threat and forward that would be of good impact and is someone the Jets may be moving on from.

On top of that, the Red Wings may be really in on Matvei Michkov. Contributor Ben Heydt talked about the possibility of the team trading up for him and laid out the case to be made. It’s an intriguing thought, especially with the Red Wings having two first-rounders.

The Red Wings may not have anything concrete right this second, but there are reasons to think that the team could be making a move before the draft rolls around.