The Detroit Red Wings traded a center this off, but it isn't the center you'd expect.
Before the draft, the Red Wings traded former fourth round pick Amadeus Lombardi to the New Jersey Devils for a fourth round pick (108th overall) in the 2026 NHL Entry Draft. Lombardi, drafted back in 2022, is another of Steve Yzerman's prospects that never quite made it with the Red Wings. Now, with the Devils, he'll have a fresh start and a chance to break through.
Several disgruntled fans voiced their frustration with this trade -- and deservedly so. Lombardi was never provided with an opportunity to make a name for himself, much less play a single NHL game. The inconsistent development pattern the Red Wings have taken with their prospects has frustrated NHL insiders and hardcore fans alike.
Some wonder if Lombardi would've made the Red Wings roster if Yzerman hadn't traded him.
Unfortunately, even with a strong camp, there are just too many factors to guarantee Lombardi a hypothetical spot on this roster.
Lombardi too inconsistent to make NHL leap yet
Lombardi has two major hurdles he'll need to overcome if he ever makes the leap into the NHL. First and foremost, his defensive play needs a lot of work. He's known to be a firecracker offensively, but his play away from the puck leaves a lot to be desired. Lombardi is typically compared to former Red Wing Andreas Athanasiou. He's an exciting, electric player offensively, but his defensive gaps tend to cause more harm than his offense would otherwise help.
The other hurdle is, unfortunately, something Lombardi can't control. Over the last three seasons, Lombardi has missed a combined 55 games, with 25 and 28 coming within the last two seasons, respectively. When he's on the ice, he's more than capable of putting up points, finishing last season with 42 points in 47 games. But it's hard to be a consistent contributor if you're dealing with injuries left and right.
Red Wings need to get younger, more consistent
Typically, an NHL forward's prime comes around their mid-late 20s. They'll perform their best physically from around 24-28 and then pick up a second "prime" in their early 30s once they've put together their vision and comfort level at the NHL pace. Lombardi is 23 -- five years removed from his draft class. By that point, it's sink or swim for prospects.
Lombardi may be approaching his prime, but it's hard to know what to expect out of him without seeing him at the NHL level. He may have a better opportunity with the Devils, but there really isn't much of a spot for him with the Red Wings. As a skill forward, Lombardi needs offensive ice time on the middle-six to show his stuff.
While there are opportunities to make the NHL leap, Lombardi would need to outperform both Michael Brandsegg-Nygard and Carter Bear for a shot at the middle-six. At this point in his career, it just doesn't seem likely.
Perhaps a fresh start will be the best thing for both parties.
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