The trade rumors season is in full swing, with the Detroit Red Wings gaining plenty of attention. The Wings are sitting at the top of the Atlantic Division and don’t seem to be backing down.
As such, speculation has ramped up regarding the Red Wings’ potential trade deadline plans. It would seem that GM Steve Yzerman is looking to add everything he can to bolster the club’s potential playoff run.
That effort includes adding depth scoring. That’s why the latest trade rumor involving the Red Wings makes sense. According to the Fourth Period’s David Pagnotta the Red Wings have been one of the teams kicking the tires on Edmonton Oilers forward Andrew Mangiapane.
Red Wings could be a solid landing spot for Andrew Mangiapane
The chatter surrounding Mangiapane has gotten plenty of hype after the 29-year-old reportedly asked for a trade out of Edmonton. Pretty much every contending team has kicked the tires on Mangiapane. But it seems the Red Wings could be a good fit.
On the whole, it makes sense that the Red Wings could be looking to add someone like Mangiapane. The Red Wings could use a reliable middle-six scorer to bolster depth.
At the moment, the Red Wings could use a reliable scoring threat in their middle six. While coach Todd McLellan has shaken things up a bit, the fact is that Detroit’s lineup is far from a finished product.
A third line of J.T. Compher, James van Riemsdyk, and Mangiapane could be a solid addition to the team’s top six. If need be, the Wings could bump Mangiapane to the top six. For now, Andrew Copp has manned the second line with Patrick Kane and Alex DeBrincat. If DeBrincat jumps to the top line, Mangiapane could take his spot.
This entire discussion hinges on a crucial aspect: The price tag for Mangiapane. According to Pagnotta, the Oilers are looking to get a two-way forward back for Mangiapane. Perhaps someone like Michael Rasmussen or Mason Appleton could provide an enticing alternative for the Oilers. Considering that Edmonton has limited cap space, there’s not really much wiggle room. If the Oilers can land someone like Rasmussen, the deal could make sense for them.
Of course, suggesting that Rasmussen or Appleton could be on the trade block is merely speculation. But you would have to think that Edmonton might not be picky in what it can realistically get back for Mangiapane.
It wouldn’t be a stretch to see Mangiapane land in Detroit as the Oilers try to free up cap space and pursue pieces to bolster their roster at the deadline.