It came to everyone’s surprise at noon today that the Los Angeles Kings have placed veteran defenseman Christian Ehrhoff on waivers:
Christian Ehrhoff (LAK) on waivers.
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) February 10, 2016
The 33-year-old blue-liner 11 points in 40 games with the Kings this season, but has proven to be a solid all-around point-producing guy who can play top-four minutes. He comes at a bargain price of $1.5 million, so for a guy with his skillset, it’s a very intriguing possibility.
Why the Red Wings should claim Christian Ehrhoff
This is pretty obvious, but the Red Wings need to upgrade their core of defense, and aside from the cap-hit, Ehrhoff would come free of charge. You would be adding a big-bodied veteran defenseman who could play time in all situations in your top-four. This takes the brutal usage off of players like Kyle Quincey, and Jonathan Ericsson.
Why the Red Wings won’t claim Christian Ehrhoff
The Wings currently sit 21st in the waiver order. At $1.5 million, Ehrhoff is a bargain for any team, so it’s very unlikely that he falls to Detroit. Additionally, it would just add to the logjam. What happens when Mike Green and Niklas Kronwall return? You can put Jakub Kindl back on waivers, but you’re still left with an abundance of defensemen.
Likelihood of happening: 2/10
I just don’t think Ehrhoff reaches the Red Wings in the waiver order. However, if he does, Detroit should absolutely claim him, and send Jakub Kindl back to Grand Rapids. No-brainer, really.
If he falls to the Red Wings in the waiver order, should they claim Christian Ehrhoff?
| Yes. | 2155 |
| No. | 457 |
