Detroit Red Wings: 5 forwards to pursue via trade ahead of the NHL Draft

The Detroit Red Wings must consider making a blockbuster deal to acquire Clayton Keller.

Clayton Keller, 24, is a tremendous talent, and his future with the Arizona Coyotes is somewhat in limbo. Sportsnet insider Elliotte Friedman reported in May that Keller’s representatives met with the Coyotes brass to discuss the star forward’s future with the organization. Friedman went on to mention that Keller’s agents did not formally request a trade, but it seems the two sides are trying to right the ship that appears to be anchored in rough water.

Keller, a Masterton Trophy finalist this season thanks to a career year where he posted 37 goals and 86 points for the Coyotes this past season following a shortened season a year ago after suffering a broken leg. In that shortened season, Keller recorded 28 goals, 35 assists, and 63 points over 67 games.

The dynamic scorer is a first-round selection of the Coyotes (no. 7 overall) way of Boston College in the 2016 NHL Entry Level Draft.

Like Alex DeBrincat, Keller is precisely the type of player the Detroit Red Wings urgently need to add this summer. Keller would fit nicely on Detroit’s top line playing alongside captain Dylan Larkin and the crafty Lucas Raymond. It goes without saying Keller is young enough to fit Yzerman’s current plan, which is very important. Also, what kind of star player wants to play in a sub-5,000-seat home arena?

Here’s some even better news; Keller is signed through 2027-28 with a fair average annual value of $7.2 million. If Yzerman is willing to part with a premium prospect, perhaps Jonatan Berggren, in a trade package, it needs to be in exchange for an impact player like Keller.