Seemingly a lifetime ago, Nicklas Lidström led his Detroit Red Wings. The likes of Niklas Kronwall, Mikael Samuelsson, Henrik Zetterberg, Jonathan Ericsson, Andreas Lilja, Tomas Holmström, and Johan Franzen challenged for the Stanley Cup after most of these players won gold at the 2006 Winter Olympics. They became as formidable as any team in the National Hockey League (NHL) and became known as the Swedish Mafia.
The Detroit Red Wings and Swedish hockey players faded over the years as the organization chased ghosts of years past (trying to keep a dying playoff streak alive). Of course, we had a fan favorite in Gustav Nyquist and a handful of Swedish players through the Detroit Red Wings revolving door. Lately, it’s been super fun watching Lucas Raymond lead his band of Swedes, which includes Erik Gustafsson, Jonatan Berggren, Simon Edvinsson, and Albert Johansson. Although Marco Kasper isn’t Swedish, he finished high school, is fluent in Swedish, and trained/played in Sweden, so he kind of counts. We could even throw Moritz Seider and Joseph Veleno who dipped their toes in the Swedish Hockey League (SHL) during that odd year.
Coming through the ranks, Håkan Andersson has ensured the Detroit Red Wings have roots in Sweden. With the likes of Axel Sandin-Pellikka, Anton Johansson, and the Dower-Nilsson brothers to throw out a few names, the Detroit Red Wings have a chance to rebuild a Swedish Mafia 2.0.
Of course, when there’s a hint of a new Swedish Mafia 2.0, there’s a desire to collect the best available Swedish players in the NHL. One of which includes a player with a supposed attitude problem co-starring in his own K-Drama.
Elias Pettersson may be available on the trade market, Detroit Red Wings might be a fit
My colleague has already delved into why Elias Pettersson (Petey) is not the best fit with the Detroit Red Wings. He mentions J.T. Miller as well in the write-up, but in this post, I’m focusing solely on The Alien (one of Petey’s many nicknames). Why? He’s my favorite NHL player who is not a Detroit Red Wings player (tied with Kirill Kaprizov and Anže Kopitar).
I’ve dreamt of seeing Petey in a Detroit Red Wings uniform since his goal on poor Timmy Howard. Ever since, Petey has put on a show whenever I tune into a Vancouver Canucks game, which is few and far between, sadly, as I’m on the East Coast with an early shift at my day job. Since Raymond was drafted, a line of Petey and Raymond has replayed in my mind.
Although we might get a taste of it come the Four Nations Face-Off, it’s not going to be the same as if they both played for the Detroit Red Wings. (Though Team Sweden is about as close to a hometown team in that setting as the Detroit Red Wings get.)
As fun and exciting as the idea of Petey joining the Detroit Red Wings, there are many reasons it doesn’t work.
As Ben Heydt shares, captain Dylan Larkin is likely the internal cap. If our number one defenseman, Moritz Seider, isn’t getting paid more than Larkin, I’m not sure how anyone justifies a higher price tag on the team. In contrast, Petey is the fifth-highest player in the NHL. On his good days, he’s worth every penny. From my viewings of Petey, I’ve only ever seen him at his best. Always scores a goal or gets an apple when I ask, so it’s fun watching him play hockey. However, I have seen rumblings from some fans and critics that Petey may not always play at the top of his game.
Granted, nobody is at the top of their game every day except maybe Beyoncé, Cynthia Erivo, or Ariana Grande.
After listening to Steve Yzerman’s press conference from December 27, 2024, which was to address the coaching change to Todd McLellan, and seeing the response from the Detroit Red Wings, I question anybody who says a player isn’t trying his best on the ice. Like Yzerman said (and the Detroit Red Wings players showed before and after the coaching change), frustration wears a different cloak on everyone. If Petey is truly frustrated (either with a teammate, coach, system, his own game, the standings, wins, or losses), it might appear to some fans as if he’s not trying even though he is—just like every other professional athlete.
From everything I’ve seen and watched of Petey, he wouldn’t purposefully shut down or not try to win games. According to him, he hates losing, and I believe him. He is an intense guy, he seems honest and hasn’t given me a reason to question him. Petey’s competitive and hungry, elite in compete if you will. At the same time, it seems like he might dwell on things a bit if that makes sense. Like he wants to win so badly or perform so well that when it’s a rough patch, he can have a hard time climbing out of it. He wouldn’t be alone in that feeling.
Realistically, I’ve only seen a handful of players who don’t seem to go down those dark, gloomy rabbit holes. Raymond and Seider seem to be resilient beyond measure. I’m sure things get to them and they feel bad at times, but they hardly show it. There’s frustration in the sense that they might play overly physical against someone or Raymond is inclined to yell a bit. But, they don’t seem to get stuck in a downward spiral.
There could be guys on the Vancouver Canucks who have that same resilience too, I just know those two Detroit Red Wings players are programmed a bit differently. They tend to keep things lighter and more positive, so having them around for a guy like Petey might help his mental psyche of not getting stuck in a rut. For example, when Larkin was in a goal drought (he still looked like he was playing effective hockey but not making it to the scoresheet), Raymond gifted Larkin an empty net. Ever since Larkin has played a bit more free and open. It would be nice to have a player who could do the same for Petey when needed.
In my opinion, Petey doesn't have an attitude problem or wouldn’t live up to his contract. Larkin may not like having a teammate who is paid higher than him, but at the same time, Petey would provide the talent the Detroit Red Wings desperately need (and, finally, a center to help take pressure off of Larkin, providing first-line center services).
Also, I think McLellan’s system would favor Petey’s play as well.
Yet, the question remains, would the Detroit Red Wings exceed the internal cap for a guy like Petey?
Let’s say, for argument’s sake, that Larkin is okay with someone making more than him, and Yzerman (along with the Ilitch family) is okay with paying the contract; the Detroit Red Wings are still in a tough spot to even make an enticing offer.
What could the Detroit Red Wings offer the Vancouver Canucks?
Larkin isn’t going anywhere. Raymond isn’t moving. Seider is here to stay. I feel like these facts alone would mean the Vancouver Canucks hang up the phone.
However, I do think there’s a history of a friendly trading partner. With the exchange of Filip Hronek and the Detroit Red Wings receiving a pick that they turned into Sandin Pellikka, I think both teams would be confident in trading with each other again. Nobody was fleeced or put out, and both teams are seeing the benefits of those trades (even if Sandin Pellikka hasn’t made the NHL, he’s a very promising prospect). Outside of the big three, though, I can’t help but wonder if the Detroit Red Wings have more to offer than meets the surface at first glance.
For any reference to contracts (whether amounts, length, or trade protection), I will reference the Vancouver Canucks and Detroit Red Wings Puckpedia pages.
Forwards
The biggest name the Detroit Red Wings have to offer outside of the big two forwards named above is Nate Danielson in terms of centers.
There were rumblings that the Vancouver Canucks were interested in Danielson at the time he was drafted but couldn’t make it work to get him. However, he would not help the Vancouver Canucks now. He likely needs the rest of the season in the American Hockey League (AHL), if not a bit more time. Danielson, though, is noted as the player Connor Bedard hated to play against the most in juniors, so there should be interest in Danielson. He’s a complete center, ultra-competitive, and someone who can help a team long-term.
It’s quite possible, too, that the Vancouver Canucks could see Danielson as NHL-ready now. The Detroit Red Wings have their prospects, for better or worse, take the longest detours to arrive in the NHL. i thought in all of his appearances in preseason, Danielson did not look out of place. However, Kasper was higher on the development ladder and received the nodd, though I feel it could have gone either way.
In terms of a here-and-now center help, the Detroit Red Wings have options, maybe not the most enticing, but that’s why I put Danielson first. He’s the prize in this trade scenario.
The highest-playing center on the Detroit Red Wings outside of Larkin is Andrew Copp, who has shown a huge turnaround while playing with Kane and DeBrincat. While I hear the downplayers now, “It’s Kane and DeBrincat, anyone could play on their line and look good.” To that, I say, watch the pre-coaching change Detroit Red Wings this season and last season. It will let you know how wrong you are and that not any center can play with Kane and DeBrincat. Of course, Copp is no Petey but a reliable two-way center who just needed the right direction to perform well. His contract is a bit too rich, but I’m sure the Detroit Red Wings could retain part of the salary to make it digestible. Plus, only two seasons are left on his contract after this season.
The other possible snag in an equation where Copp goes out to the Vancouver Canucks is that he has a 10-team no-trade clause. This means he can refuse a trade to 10 teams essentially. Would Copp be willing to go out to the Vancouver Canucks? They’re a team that is fighting for the playoffs and is considered a contender for the Stanley Cup. So, maybe he would be? However, I have to wonder if he wants to stay south of the border as seemingly a lot of US-born players do. He’s already spent time with the Winnipeg Jets, so I’m not sure if he would be okay going back to Canada.
Another option for a trade piece is J.T. Compher. Although he’s not having the best season, he showed well through most of last season and has been picking up his game. He’s not flashy and won’t steal points, but he is a reliable center who can help generate a little bit of offense here and there while also not giving up much defensively (and has saved quite a few goals himself this season). In the Stanley Cup Playoffs, it’s never bad to have a couple of centers who can do the things that Compher does (and does exceptionally well). He’s already got a ring to show for his hard work, too.
The other fact is that, like Copp, Compher has the same 10-team no-trade clause and is also a US-born player. He may be interested in remaining south of the border, too.
In terms of pure centers, that’s what the Detroit Red Wings have to offer. As possible centers who play wing as well, the Detroit Red Wings have Joseph Veleno and Michael Rasmussen.
Veleno has played throughout the lineup. He’s not a show-stopper, but he’s a fill-in anywhere, and anyhow he’s needed. He’s still young and has shown spurts of his junior-playing self (offensively-minded but not abandoning his defensive play). Much like Compher and Copp, not sure he moves a needle in a trade. They could be nice stopgaps while Danielson develops or adjusts to the NHL if he jumps in straight away, though.
Rasmussen has a history of performing exceedingly well, then disappearing quicker than my aunt’s award-winning carrot cake at holiday dinner. He’s a British Columbia native, so I’m sure he would be bummed to leave the Detroit Red Wings system, but he would love to return home. He’s a huge, mean body who is begging for a playoff run. He’s better at the wing position but can fill in at center. I can imagine his size would be enticing, too. It’s always nice when Rasmussen comes to the party on the ice and grabs a guy to exchange greeting cards.
Vladimir Tarasenko is another name that might draw attention. He’s won a couple of rings, but his performance this season leaves a lot to be desired. Of course, the system the Detroit Red Wings deployed before the coaching change wasn’t conducive to Tarasenko’s skills or playing style, so that’s a big part of his underwhelming season. Since the coaching change, he hasn’t blown the doors off but is starting to look consistently dangerous on the ice. Tarasenko, with Jonatan Berggren and Compher, has formed an exciting third line that is still getting comfortable playing together. With his full no-movement clause, as well, it would be up to Tarasenko if he wanted to go out West.
Berggren is another enticing name, but he hasn’t found his footing fully in the NHL with the Detroit Red Wings. I think he would fall into the category of not moving the proverbial needle in a trade, so he likely isn’t part of one.
Kane and DeBrincat both have trade-protected clauses written into their contracts (Kane full no-move without his approval and DeBrincat 16-team no-trade list). Since neither plays center, they wouldn’t fill the immediate hole that Petey leaves behind, but they could help to make up for missing points. However, I’m not sure either US-born player would approve a trade to Canada.
Kasper is an interesting name, but the Detroit Red Wings wouldn’t give up both Kasper and Danielson, even for Petey. It would be one or the other. Out of the two young centers, I would reckon the Vancouver Canucks would want Danielson due to their previous interest in him and his perceived higher ceiling.
That’s about all the Detroit Red Wings have upfront in the NHL, aside from Tyler Motte (hope he feels better, poor guy) and Christian Fischer.
In the AHL, the Detroit Red Wings also have Elmer Söderblom, who is ready for NHL action. However, he doesn’t have the longest track record in the NHL, so he might not add much value in a trade. Also, Amadeus Lombardi and Carter Mazur, who might draw attention, are still recovering from injury. They’ve also never played in the NHL during the regular season, so they likely wouldn’t move the needle either, as the Vancouver Canucks need an immediate replacement if Petey is moved out.
Defense
The backend has a few options with a name the Vancouver Canucks would likely want being Simon Edvinsson.
It would be hard, if not nearly impossible, for Yzerman to part with Edvinsson. He’s a stud. Plain and simply put.
Personally, I would be lying if I said I’d be upset seeing a defensive core that included Quinn Hughes, Hronek, and Edvinsson, though, as it would be a blast to watch (when the Vancouver Canucks are not playing the Detroit Red Wings, of course). Edvinsson would add value to a trade as he has played in the top four for the Detroit Red Wings and played well. Even during the dark days for the Detroit Red Wings to start the season, Edvinsson played some of his best hockey in the NHL that I’ve seen from him. Seider and Edvinsson were one of the best pairs in the NHL.
Since the split, Edvinsson hasn’t been quite as consistent. Even still, I don’t think Edvinsson is on the move, even for Petey.
There’s also Albert Johansson, but I think he falls into the category of not moving the needle in a trade. He’s shown better under the new coaching staff for the Detroit Red Wings but he’s still getting established in the NHL.
It’s also possible that the Vancouver Canucks would rather have a veteran defenseman to join their group. The Detroit Red Wings went on a bit of a shopping spree in that regard (both through trade and free-agent signings).
Can I just say, before we all laugh at the thought of the Detroit Red Wings having tradeable veteran defensemen, Erik Gustafsson might be owed an apology? For as bad as things looked to start the season, Gustafsson might be the biggest example of why a coaching change should have happened way sooner. He’s playing like a completely different player. I’m not sure that neither he nor any other Detroit Red Wings veteran defenseman would add value to a trade, but I think it’s worth discussing to a point.
Since the coaching change, even Ben Chiarot has picked up his game (minus the last couple of games as he and the team regain their better forms). When he’s playing at his best, Chiarot is a big, mean, well-respected player by both players and management. Does he really add value to a trade? I would hope so, given his overall history in the league, including a Stanley Cup run with the Montreal Canadiens and Jeff Petry. He can help keep opponents honest and doesn’t have to be the number one defense pairing with the Vancouver Canucks, so a bit of weight might be lifted from his shoulders, allowing him to play more freely.
To make a note, Chiarot does have another 10-team no-trade list clause in his contract, too. Maybe the Vancouver Canucks would be on it, but I doubt it. Seems like a great city and time to be a Vancouver Canucks player (for the most part).
Petry is another name, but he is injured and has had an up-and-down season. When he’s at his best, he’s an offensive-minded, play-driving defenseman who is slept on by fans and media alike. However, he has a modified no-trade clause in his contract. While not the cream of the crop, his less than $3 million cap hit might be intriguing and tenure in the league may hold some weight, though.
In the AHL, there’s William Wallinder, Shai Buium, and Antti Tuomisto, who could draw interest. With a lack of NHL experience among those players and the win-now mode the Vancouver Canucks are in, I don’t think they would draw much interest. Of the three, Wallinder might be the most intriguing.
Goalers
A goalie like Cam Talbot or Alex Lyon might spawn interest. I hear the clap back, the Vancouver Canucks have two great goaltenders. Yet, someone always seems to get injured in net at the most inopportune moments, so maybe they would like a third goalie as a just-in-case goaltender wouldn’t be bad? Lyon comes in with his $900k contract and is great even if he’s not starting the majority of games. He’s played as a third-string goalie both seasons (for reasons unknown to fans) and hasn’t looked out of place doing so. Talbot is another name who is a veteran and a calm presence in net. His contract might steer the Vancouver Canucks toward Lyon.
Of course, there are Trey Augustine and Sebastian Cossa in net for the Detroit Red Wings pipeline. I don’t think the Detroit Red Wings are keen on trading either. However, the Detroit Red Wings would have to give somewhere. Cossa is just about NHL-ready (finally!), and Augustine is killing it both on the world stage and in college hockey. If the Detroit Red Wings were willing to part with either, I think Augustine would be the more likely of the two. Considering how close Cossa is and the amount of time and effort the Detroit Red Wings organization has poured into him, I don’t think he’s going anywhere. By default, it leaves Augustine as a possibility (though very unlikely, it could potentially add value to the trade).
Another dilemma in the Detroit Red Wings, Petey trade
Outside of the trouble of finding pieces that the Vancouver Canucks would be interested in, the Detroit Red Wings would also have cap gymnastics to juggle. They have just over $2 million in cap space.
Bringing in $11.6 million on that budget would be interesting. The Detroit Red Wings would need to shed almost $10 million in cap space. Moving on from a combination of Chiarot, Copp, Compher, and/or Tarasenko would accommodate the higher contract. It’s possible to navigate, just more challenging than anything Yzerman has had to deal with in his tenure with the Detroit Red Wings. Forming a team around Petey would be a difficult task, too. Again, it is possible but difficult. (I would love nothing more than to see Yzerman tinker with something like that)
In short, I don’t think that a trade is likely between the Detroit Red Wings and Vancouver Canucks is likely, but. I would love to see the Detroit Red Wings try for Petey. (Not for Miller—a discussion for another day, I’d be way more interested in a Brock Boeser trade.)
If they do come to the trade dance together with Petey as the centerpiece, I think the Detroit Red Wings could offer volume. Maybe the Vancouver Canucks would like more darts or possibly have eyes for a different player. Maybe futures or prospects from the Detroit Red Wings would help the Vancouver Cancuks acquire other assets to make a different reality possible.
My final offer on the Detroit Red Wings trading for Elias Pettersson
Here are a few pieces the Detroit Red Wings could send to entice the Vancouver Canucks (in this exercise, I’m not going to pretend that the Vancouver Canucks send anything or anyone else back to the Detroit Red Wings except for Petey):
Chiarot
Compher or Copp—50% salary retention
Rasmussen
Danielson
Augustine
2025 first round NHL Entry Level Draft Pick
Chiarot helps give some size, toughness, and leadership on the backend. Compher or Copp helps to bridge the loss of Petey until Danielson is ready to be the long-term replacement (or make a long-term impact if he jumps into the NHL). Rasmussen can add more size to the forward group for the Vancouver Cancuks and plays on both special teams regularly. Augustine and the 2025 first-round pick are more darts at the proverbial dartboard. Although they might not provide immediate assistance, it would help long-term in net (likely) and possibly in the long-term, or provide a piece in another trade.
It’s a bit rich for the Detroit Red Wings to give up and possibly a bit shallow for the Vancouver Canucks, but all the players involved are either good NHL veterans or exciting prospects who should provide help over the long term for the Vancouver Canucks. Losing these pieces would be a bummer but not detrimental to the Detroit Red Wings.
At any rate, it’s fun to dream of possibly seeing Petey in the Winged Wheel, regardless of how ridiculous it sounds. Wherever Petey plays, he’s fun to watch (except against the Detroit Red Wings). If the Detroit Red Wings don’t make a run at Petey or another big name, it’s fine too. Yzerman has methodically been building his team from within. It’s exciting to watch players develop from all around the world and make it to the NHL. Like Edvinsson and Johansson playing in the NHL together, dreams are especially amazing when they come to fruition.
Adding Petey to the Swedish Mafia 2.0 would be something special, I think.