The Detroit Red Wings are one blockbuster trade away from serious playoff contention and maybe even a top-three finish in the Atlantic Division. That means making a monster trade this summer doesn’t sound like a bad idea, even if Steve Yzerman probably won’t do it.
Yzerman’s been committed to building the Red Wings through the Yzerplan, which has delivered mixed results and is causing a contingent of fans to lose their patience. Yzerman can redeem himself should he make a splash in the trade department.
And bringing in one of the three names below would mean he could run for the mayor of Detroit tomorrow and win the election by a landslide. No, seriously, he could. No exaggeration.
Anyway, which three players should he strongly consider trading for, but won’t? Oh, and note, that this isn’t a scenario in which I’m lobbying for all three trades. Instead, making one of these three happen is the most realistic approach.
Acquire Jason Robertson
Oh yes. It would be the opportune time to acquire Jason Robertson in what would be a blockbuster move with the Dallas Stars. While it would involve moving someone like Nate Danielson or maybe even Sebastian Cossa and a first-round pick, among other assets since an NHL veteran would also be involved, Robertson’s presence would transform the Wings top six into one of the league’s most dangerous.
Why won’t it happen? Well, for the reason I stated above. It would go against everything the Yzerplan has spent the last six seasons building. Steve Yzerman’s more than shown us he’s not deviating.
If Robertson played for a team not looking to finally end its Conference Final woes, that would be one thing. But it’s not the reality of the situation.
Acquire Quinn Hughes
Quinn Hughes is another player making waves, but I think we all know where his preferred destination lies. Still, it’s hard not to fantasize about a first pairing containing Hughes and Moritz Seider, which would be arguably the NHL’s most dominant.
Hughes is just now entering his prime and will go down in NHL history as one of the best blueliners to play the game should he keep up his current trajectory. He’s not a physical player, and you can even argue that he’s a forward who happens to play defenseman, considering his lack of physical play and strong points-producing prowess.
It’s also a stark contrast from the bruiser Seider’s become. These two players would complement one another well, but what would be the asking price?
In a place like Vancouver, that’s clearly heading into a retool, multiple first-round picks, a high-end prospect like Danielson, and maybe even a young blueliner (Simon Edvinsson?) would be involved.
Acquire Jeremy Swayman
Despite struggling through a down season last year, Jeremy Swayman’s part of a Boston Bruins team that’s about to do…what, exactly? Rebuild? Retool? I can see Swayman sticking around Massachusetts if the Bruins retool. But if they rebuild? He’ll want out.
Making a trade like this would more than solidify the Red Wings turbulent netminding situation. But again, the pesky Yzerplan would prevent this, as we’re once again looking at moving a first-round pick and almost certainly Sebastian Cossa. Cossa’s supposed to be Detroit’s future in the net, and he’s an internal asset who fits the Yzerplan mold.
But if I had a chance to acquire Swayman, I’m doing so without hesitation. Swayman’s still young and he’s on a long-term deal. Even if it meant giving up Cossa and at least a first-round pick, it’s not fazing me.
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