One of the NHL's worst-kept secrets is that the Red Wings are in desperate need of a top-line left winger. And this has been a problem ever since Steve Yzerman took over as GM.
It's not entirely Yzerman's fault, mind you. He was given a roster that relied on the likes of Anthony Mantha and Andreas Athanasiou on your top line, and none of the first-round prospects he was given, other than Dylan Larkin, were even close to becoming a top-six player.
However, several potential players in the league could fill that role, who may be available on the trade block or in free agency. None of those names may be bigger than Kirill "The Thrill" Kaprizov.
Kirill Kaprizov has TURNED DOWN a record-setting contract extension valued at $128M over eight seasons, via @frank_seravalli 👀 pic.twitter.com/RmJNrhBUXi
— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) September 10, 2025
It was reported that Kaprizov 's team just turned down an eight-year deal worth $128 million to re-sign with the Minnesota Wild. Now, this could mean that he may not want to stay in Minnesota. He may be doing what Auston Matthews is doing and signing bridge deals with the rising cap, or he may just be doing what Connor McDavid is doing and waiting to see if his team can become a legitimate contender.
Like usual. This fantasy trade scenario assumes that nobody has a "No Movement" or "No Trade" clause, meaning every player will be available and moved based on the needs of both teams.
Big name winger would require big name return
Let's be clear. To get Kaprizov, it's gonna cost a lot, and Minnesota is no longer in the cap bind that they have been for the last several seasons. But that doesn't mean they can just grab any player they want.
With Kaprizov's current $9 million cap hit, trading him will leave them with just under $4.5 million in cap space for this season. So, assuming it's just Kaprizov they're moving, they have to be smart about who they look to grab so as not to go over the cap.
That being said, let's start with the draft picks. For the trade I'm proposing, I think the Red Wings' next two unprotected first-round picks are the play. While the Red Wings could very well be a lottery team again this season, that changes with the addition of Kaprizov. But the 2026 Entry Draft is looking to be a strong and deep class. That and the possibility that the Wings could still miss the playoffs with Kaprizov makes that 2026 pick look really valuable.
These aren't like the two first-round picks Dallas paid to get Mikko Rantanen either. This is two top 16-20 picks two years in a row. Making them significantly more valuable to a team like Minnesota, who doesn't have any second round picks in 2026 or 2027. Next, we move to players.
I assume the ask will start with Lucas Raymond
But moving Raymond for Kaprizov is counterproductive and just puts you in the same spot you were before, just on the right wing instead. Next, you look at DeBrincat. I wouldn't include DeBrincat for the primary reason that he may be the main thing keeping Patrick Kane in Detroit at the moment, and losing both DeBrincat and Kane in the span of one season would likely cripple the team, as you're second line is essentially gone. So instead, I think you should look at moving some prospects.
If you're gonna acquire Kaprizov but not give up you're primary roster players. Then you have to give up you're primary prospects. But since we're not dealing with a defenseman and Minnesota already has some extremely high-quality prospects, then Axel Sandin-Pellikka shouldn't need to be included.
No, here I think you Dangle the likes of Carter Bear and Michael Brandsegg-Nygård at them. In this case, I think you move Carter Bear. He has the higher offensive upside of the two and plays a faster-paced game.
Then I also believe that Carter Mazur will be a part of this deal. He's one of the closest prospects the Red Wings have to being NHL-ready and brings an edge to his game that I think Minnesota will be keen on having.
Then, finally, I think you throw in a depth player like Berggren who can moonlight in your top six if there is an injury or suspension. Plus, the majority of Minnesota's depth is in their late 20s to early 30s, so this helps them get younger while also adding solid roster players and depth to their rather "Mid at best" prospect pool.
In the end, believe that in order for the Red Wings to acquire Kaprizov right now. It would take:
-2026 1st round pick (DET) (Unprotected)
-2027 1st round pick (DET) (Unprotected)
-Carter Bear (13th overall 2025 Entry Draft)
-Carter Mazur
-Jonatan Berggren