In Red Wings Land

These Detroit Red Wings could be wanted at NHL trade deadline | Freep

The Wings don’t have an NHL-ready goaltender in their system. Howard has played well this season (.913 save percentage and 2.80 goals-against average in 41 games) and wants to finish his career with the Wings. He’ll be 35 on March 26. Unless the starting goaltender for playoff-bound team suffers a long-term injury over the coming days, it’s doubtful the Wings will get an offer that makes it worth moving Howard — think along the lines of a conditional second-round pick that becomes a first if Howard backstops the team to the conference finals.

Not a totally terrible idea from Helene here. I think I would be okay with shipping Jimmy Howard to a team like the Flames for a conditional 2nd round pick. Let’s say the condition would be that if Calgary somehow got through the Pacific Divison and made it the conference finals then the pick becomes a 1st rounder... would that be a fair (and satisfying) deal?

Around the League

31 Thoughts: Could a stealth suitor emerge for Matt Duchene? | Sportsnet

23. Last year, Detroit GM Ken Holland waited everyone out and got three picks for Tomas Tatar. Tatar had term, unlike many of the Red Wings trade options this time around, but Holland’s using a similar playbook. He’s patient, creating the impression he’s happy to keep guys rather than deal them. Chris Johnston did report the Red Wings asked Gustav Nyquist if there was a list of teams he’d consider. Martin Frk, who just cleared waivers, might get a new home, too.

Not too much about the Wings and the NHL trade deadline in the latest edition of 31 Thoughts. We’ll see if Holland’s strategy works next Monday.