The Detroit Red Wings have until Friday at 3:00 p.m. EST to make any additions to their roster outside of the pipeline. One of the team's top needs is for a right-shot defenseman. Last week, it seemed as though they found their player: Tyler Myers of the Vancouver Canucks.
That announcement came last week. It's now Tuesday and there has been no confirmation as to whether or not Tyler Myers will waive his no-trade clause to facilitate the move. The Athletic NHL insider Chris Johnston reported that Myers is still evaluating his potential trade options before making a decision. But with the trade deadline quickly approaching, do the Red Wings have a pivot plan?
Sportsnet's Nick Kypreos discussed Myers and the Red Wings in his latest addition of the NHL trade board. While Kypreos says that while the Red Wings want Myers, they may have to pivot if a decision takes too long. Kypreos believes the Red Wings could target Rasmus Ristolainen of the Philadelphia Flyers.
Rasmus Ristolainen emerges as potential pivot for Red Wings
"Detroit is still interested in bringing Myers aboard, but he's got a no-movement clause and is considering what's in front of him. He didn't turn down Detroit this far along to say he'd never go there," writes Kypreos. "Rather, he's looking over options before revisiting the Red Wings. However, by making Detroit wait, the Red Wings could change direction and pursue Rasmus Ristolainen or another defenseman instead. We'll see how this develops. Myers might yet be a Red Wing by week's end."
Kypreos does mention that Myers isn't firmly telling the Red Wings yet. But the longer he makes them wait, the more likely Red Wings will have to pivot. As sports fans all know, things really heat up once it gets closer to the trade deadline. Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman is looking for players that have term remaining on their contracts. With this in mind, their options are limited.
Ristolainen is a newer name placed on the trade block. Heading out of the Olympic break, the Flyers reportedly said they would listen to trade offers for Ristolainen, but that's not necessarily a guarantee. The Flyers will do so for a trade return they deem sufficient enough.
The Flyers defenseman just has one more season remaining on his contract, with a cap hit of $5.1 million for that campaign. Ristolainen would help fill the role Detroit is looking for, and that's as a top four defenseman, and could slot in behind Moritz Seider.
This season, Ristolainen has one goal and five assists while averaging 20:33 of ice time.
The Red Wings just have a couple of days before the trade window closes. If Myers keeps them waiting too long, one has to wonder if Yzerman would pivot to a defenseman like Ristolainen. But, they'd have to make a strong enough offer for the Flyers to move on from one of their top defensemen.