With the NHL Trade Deadline set for Friday at 3:00 PM ET, a lot of eyes are on Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman. The Wings are fresh off back-to-back regulation losses against the Blue Jackets – but still hold that second wild card spot in the East. Detroit has lost some important players recently, and that has many thinking that GMSY will seek out depth in the trade market.
With Andrew Copp out for the season and Michael Rasmussen still sidelined, there’s a glaring hole down the middle of this lineup. While there are no “official” rumors or reports that point toward a move, NHL insider Elliotte Friedman spoke about Detroit’s situation on the latest episode of the 32 Thoughts Podcast with Kyle Bukauskas. I’ll preface the following (roughly) transcribed text with the fact that what was said by Friedman isn’t very exciting, but it gives you a feel of where the front office may be at this time.
“I think (Yzerman) has been looking for a defenseman – uh, I think I think he was looking at Lindgren.. Believe me if i’m wrong i’m gonna hear about this… I think he was looking at Lindgren and I think he also and some interest in other guys that were out there like Will Borgen kinda guys I think he’s been looking at that.
So, I think it’s safe to say that’s been on his mind. Um, he definitely looked at Dylan Cozens earlier this year that obviously didn’t happen (long pause) you know, the Tarasenko thing – we’ll see where that goes.. that second year is a really tough one. He’s got another year at $4.75 million.. Losing Rasmussen — uh, is a tough one. Him getting hit by Zegras – that one that got Zegras suspended uh, that’s a tough loss for them. He’s a good player for them.
So, when I look at Detroit they’ve lost Copp, he’s now done – out for the year. They lost Rasmussen – he’s a big loss for them, so I think people are wondering does Yzerman go out and get someone who can fill those kinds of roles depending on how long Rasmussen’s gonna be out. But again I think he’s looking at a defenseman too, and I always think Yzerman is looking long term.”
So, really nothing from Friedman here. I am trying to read between the lines – and it sounds like another year where Yzerman will take a conservative approach with maybe one or two depth acquisitions at a lower cost. Detroit is still a ways from that third spot in the Atlantic, so they can hardly consider themselves a contender at this point. Detroit doesn’t have a ton of draft capital at their disposal but enough to swing a deal — a first, second, and two third rounders in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft, in addition to picks in the later rounds.
Something else to consider here — Michael Rasmussen’s availability going forward. Daniella Bruce reported that Todd McLellan said Ras did not take contact at Monday’s practice and he won’t be available for Tuesday’s game. Rasmussen has been sidelined since February 23. His health will play a factor at the trade deadline. If this is going to be something more long-term, Yzerman could be forced to make a move for depth. There is also the possibility of moving up a prospect such as Nate Danielson, which is definitely possible. I do think that the recent slump for the Grand Rapids Griffins plays a role there, and since they’re already missing Marco Kasper and Elmer Soderblom, I would imagine Detroit’s front office would like to keep the Griffins in a good position and not totally empty the cupboard and leave the AHL affiliate in an even worse spot than they already are in.
What kind of money is Steve Yzerman paying with right now? It’s tricky (salary “capology” always is), but according to the NHL salary cap experts over at PuckPedia, the Red Wings currently have around $12 million in cap space, with about $13.5 million in deadline cap space (that’s the amount the team can actually fit on trade deadline day, if they add cap hit between now at Friday, the space will decrease). The roster is currently full, but they have a couple of guys (such as Sheldon Dries) that can be moved back to Grand Rapids to make room.
Detroit has games scheduled for this Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. Just a guess here on my part, but if Yzerman is going to make any moves, I believe they will come after Tuesday or Thursday. I get the feeling that he wants to see how his team responds after two tough losses against CBJ. If the team can’t bounce back and get points, maybe that changes Yzerman’s strategy. It’s going to be an interesting week around the NHL. Buckle up.
