The Detroit Red Wings have had one heck of a time trying to move Justin Holl and Erik Gustafsson, but one team has emerged as a "front-runner" that may be willing to absorb some contracts.
No, it's not the Chicago Blackhawks or San Jose Sharks, but rather a new team that has entered the fray as potential trade partners.
That's where the Calgary Flames enter the equation thanks to their poor points total, the fact they have been showing signs of rebuilding in recent seasons, and have over a projected $13 million in cap space.
This isn't to say the Flames would take both Holl's and Gustafsson's contracts on. But the Wings can at least send one of them on their way, and that will save cap space in case Steve Yzerman is interested in making room for another acquisition should the Red Wings be in contention come March.
Ideally, Holl would be the one to go, since his current cap hit is $2.25 million when you factor in that the Wings buried it in Grand Rapids.
Calgary Flames could be a perfect trade partner for the Detroit Red Wings
With the Nazem Kadri trade rumors in full force, it's clearer now more than ever that the Flames are more interested in shutting things down this season and going all in for Gavin McKenna. While Kadri is just one player, there is a good chance he's going to be the first of a few dominoes to fall in what looks like an upcoming fire sale for the Flames.
That could also mean, if the Flames are interested in trading away a defenseman or two, that Holl or Gustafsson could at least work their way back into the NHL, even if it's for one of the league's worst teams. Even if the Wings get nothing more than future considerations out of this one, then it's a move worth making.
The only real loss here, especially if the Wings move someone like Jonatan Berggren, would be keeping Holl and/or Gustafsson around. Keep making room for the youngsters, and also for a talented puzzle piece to fit in somewhere should the Wings find themselves in contention.
If the Flames start making trades, then Steve Yzerman needs to pick up the phone. There aren't many more defensemen in hockey who would help a team like Calgary land the best odds for the top pick better than Erik Gustafsson or Justin Holl.