Although the Detroit Red Wings have played exceptionally well in all facets of the game since the beginning of January, they quickly reverted back to the December Red Wings this past Tuesday in Edmonton.
Things were tied at three entering the third period Tuesday evening when the floodgates opened. Now, Detroit isn't the only team that Connor McDavid and co have blown out this season. this season. McDavid had a career night, recording a single-game career-high six assists as the Oilers enjoyed a five-goal third period to bury the Red Wings 8-4. That third-period outburst reminded us of how quickly things can go South for the Lalonde-led Red Wings as they had in the past, and it usually begins with defensive zone coverage and a ton of goals against in a short period of time.
The Red Wings are famous for giving up goals in bunches, usually aided by multiple defensive lapses. In January, the Red Wings made team defense their primary focus, taking some pressure off their defensive core; it's helped. Alex Lyon's steady play has masked some of Detroit's defensive deficiencies. On Tuesday, Lyon was hung out to dry far too often as he came in for relief for starter Ville Husso, who suffered another lower-body injury. At one point, McDavid twisted Detroit's top defenseman, Moritz Seider, into a pretzel. It was one game; there is no need to panic unless the Red Wings fail to garner four points on this four-game West Coast road trip, but it begs the question.
Should the Detroit Red Wings throw their hat in the ring for Chris Tanev?
Chris Tanev, like a host of Calgary Flames, is at the center of most of the current trade talks as we head toward the March 8th trade deadline. Tanev, 34, doesn't really fit Detroit's rebuild, but if Yzerman feels he can secure the Toronto native to a short contract extension before the summer, it might not be the worst idea. Tanev is in the final year of his four-year $18 million deal.
Again, I realize that age is the main factor here, but Tanev would serve as a serious upgrade to Detroit's second pairing. Tanev, a right-handed shot, is considered one of the better defensive defensemen in the league, plus he has an excellent reputation as a leader and great teammate.
The Flames are currently hoping to obtain a first-round selection for Tanev's services. Many NHL insiders have mentioned that the Flames have multiple offers on the table that are centered around a second-round pick. Most of those offers are indeed from the top playoff-bound teams, which leaves Yzerman a bit of a competitive advantage. Say nobody ups the ante to meet the first-round choice; the Detroit Red Wings figure to be a wild card team at best this season, meaning their second-round pick would be slightly worth more than most other offers. If it comes down to a first-round choice, Yzerman hangs up the phone.
The Red Wings general manager may bend a bit regarding his overall vision of the organization, but he is a first-round pick he will not part with at this juncture of the rebuild, nor should he. I wouldn't be excited about moving a second-rounder, but I could be talked into it, especially if Tanev is a candidate to be re-signed on an affordable short-term deal. He could virtually replace pending free agent Shayne Gostisbehere, who has struggled mightily defensively this season. If something like adding Tanev were to happen, Yzerman could even shop Gostisbehere, understanding the team needs to shore up their back end defensively, trading that for the offense Gostisbehere provides. In the short term, if Yzerman wants to ride out the remainder of the year with Gostisbehere, he could be paired with Tanev, and Olli Maatta can serve as the seventh defenseman down the stretch. And for Justin Holl, well, it will be a tough row to hoe, buddy.
Tanev has totaled one goal and ten points over 50 games this season with the Flames. He's averaged nearly 20 minutes of ice time per game while maintaining a plus-10 rating. The 6-foot-2 defender plays with a bit of an edge, and his physicality on the backend would be a welcomed sight.