The fallout from the Quinn Hughes trade continues to shed some interesting light on the Detroit Red Wings. In particular, fans were left wondering why the Red Wings missed out on what seemed like a slam-dunk deal.
That answer may have come to light on Monday. During the latest edition of the 32 Thoughts Podcast, insider Elliotte Friedman discussed what he believed could have been the dealbreaker between the Red Wings and the Vancouver Canucks.
Friedman stated: “I heard that it really didn't get far; there was something Vancouver wanted...that the Red Wings would not include; I have wondered if that was Simon Edvinsson, I don't know it though.”
The Detroit Red Wings likely would have needed to give up a defenseman
Now, this information is Friedman spitballing about what the hang-up could have been. But judging from what actually transpired, it makes sense that Edvinsson’s name could have been the sticking point.
The Canucks got rookie Zeev Buium from the Minnesota Wild to potentially replace Hughes on their blue line. So, it makes sense that the Canucks wanted someone similar from the Red Wings. While Detroit wasn’t going to give up Moritz Seider, there’s a good chance that Edvisson could have been the piece in question.
Also, the Canucks could have pushed for Axel Sandin-Pellikka. But the name that has popped up around NHL chatter has been Edvinsson’s.
It’s worth noting that the Red Wings’ offer has not been confirmed. The chatter suggests that Nate Danielson and/or Marco Kasper were on the Canucks’ radar. Also, a first-round pick would have been a part of the haul, as well.
In light of what the Wild gave up to land Hughes, it makes sense that the Red Wings ultimately passed. There wasn’t any point in making this deal happen now. And, frankly, the Red Wings aren’t in the desperate situation the Wild are.
Minnesota signed Kirill Kaprizov to the most lucrative contract in NHL history this season. The team has finally gotten out from the cap hits stemming from the Zach Parise/Ryan Suter buyouts. They had enough decent pieces and are getting stellar goaltending.
With that in mind, the Wild had to go for it. They couldn’t risk missing any more opportunities while they have a prime Kaprizov in the fold. However, it’s unclear if the Wild have enough pieces around Kaprizov and Hughes to make any significant headway. It’s worth noting that the Wild traded away their top-line center and are relying on a rookie to lead their attack.
Judging from that perspective alone, the Red Wings are in a much better position than the Wild. Time will ultimately be the best judge of this trade. But in the early returns, the Red Wings did well to sidestep the NHL trade carnage that has just begun.