Steve Yzerman made himself a trade before the 2025 NHL Trade Deadline. He got into business with the Chicago Blackhawks, acquiring an old friend in goaltender Petr Mrazek along with Craig Smith, a veteran center who is nearing 1000 career NHL games. Joe Veleno is on his way to Chicago. This was first reported by The Athletic’s Chris Johntston. The team has made the trade official.
The move gives Detroit some depth, but not enough to move the needle. Smith, 35 years old, was once a really good player for the Nashville Predators. He’ll be a useful player for Detroit because he can play center or wing. The stats here don’t stand out, though — 16 points in 40 games this season.
We know Mrazek. His best hockey is behind him it seems, but he adds some depth to a shaky position for the Detroit Red Wings. Joe Veleno, a former first-round pick for the Red Wings, has been a useful player all over the lineup, but he was expendable. Fan opinion on Veleno is split — some love him, some don’t. He’s got 10 points in 56 games this season.
Maybe not a popular opinion, but I like this move for Detroit — I don’t love it. Craig Smith brings some decent pedigree to the lineup, and Petr Mrazek shores up what might be an underrated weakness for Detroit. I would be interested in the plan with Mrazek, though. Obviously he may get some NHL starts, but what if he is to be assigned to Grand Rapids and Sebastian Cossa is given some looks? Nothing more than speculation, but it makes you think. At the end of it all, if you can’t find any positives from the deal, think of it at least being a shake-up for the roster. It’s been needed, so we’ll see what, if anything, will come of it.
Let’s talk cap. Craig Smith is on the final year of his deal — $1 million AAV. Petr Mrazek’s deal is less fortunate for the Red Wings, he has another year left on his contract at $4.25 million AAV. That makes Mrazek the highest-paid goalie on Detroit’s roster. According to PuckPedia, Detroit has over $10 million cap space. The trade deadline is closing in, and I am not so sure how they can utilize that at this point.
If it’s worth anything to you, some of the hockey analytics crowd likes Craig Smith.
