Steve Yzerman hit a home run. On Saturday, the Detroit Red Wings dealt Petr Mrazek to the Anaheim Ducks for star goaltender John Gibson and two draft picks.
It's no secret in the NHL that Gibson, who played his first 12 professional seasons for the Ducks, has been very unhappy with the organization for the past several years. The timing made sense to make a move.
And it honestly couldn't have come at a better time. Detroit wasn't the only team looking to add a goaltender. The Edmonton Oilers are in need of another man between the pipes, but Yzerman, like Detroit's Kronk Gym, beat them to the punch.
Now the Wings are set to have one of the most underrated goaltending duos in hockey next season with Gibson and fellow veteran Cam Talbot.
What's next? Free agency targets
Aaron Ekblad: With Sam Bennett signing an eight-year extension in recent days, Ekblad is the most likely to leave the Florida Panthers although he stated after their second straight Stanley Cup championship that he wanted to stay with the team.
However, the salary cap does not discriminate. Furthermore, it has been reported that both sides are far away in talks.
The Wings desperately need help on the blue line, and Ekblad, who dished out a hard check on Connor McDavid in Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Final, would be a great addition to Detroit. After all, he's a Windsor native. Talk about a match made in heaven.
Brad Marchand: One of the biggest criticisms surrounding the Red Wings as of late is the lack of leadership. If Yzerman chooses not to re-sign Patrick Kane, Marchand is an option.
Earlier we wrote a story that Marchand wouldn't want to play for Detroit. Well, we also weren't expecting Bennett to go absolutely insane in the playoffs en route to the Conn Smythe.
Things change quickly in this game. Detroit has their goaltending set in stone, and if they add Ekblad, there's a good chance that will be enough to get Marchand to bite. Having that leadership around Dylan Larkin could provide the spark to get this team back to the playoffs.
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