Rumors are swirling in the NHL right now, and the Red Wings have been tied into the Torey Krug sweepstakes once again. The co-host of the Spittin’ Chiclets podcast reported early Sunday that Krug could end up being traded before he tests free agency:

Look for the Bruins to trade Torey Krug's rights tomorrow to a team looking for exclusive negotiations before UFA opens on 10/9. Colorado, Florida, Vegas, and Detroit are among the suitors.

— Rear Admiral (@RearAdBsBlog) September 27, 2020

We knew the Red Wings had legitimate interest in Torey Krug, who is set to get paid wherever he ends up going. Trading for Krug ahead of free agency would give the Red Wings a small window to try and get him signed before he becomes a free agent. However, it’s hard too see this happening right now after the team traded for Marc Staal and a 2nd round pick from New York in exchange for future considerations. Trading for Torey Krug’s rights wouldn’t exactly line up with the Staal trade, but Steve Yzerman appears to have a cloak-and-dagger approach to rebuilding — a series of small transactions that would have longterm upside for the organization. That being said, this doesn’t strike me as a move Yzerman would make. It doesn’t seem like his MO.

Krug is 29, and would certainly be an immediate upgrade for the blue line, which is beginning to take a new look now that the team confirms Jonathan Ericsson and Trevor Daley won’t return. I think most fans would welcome Krug coming to play for his hometown team, but the cost and term should be on everyone’s mind. This guy is set to make big money in free agency, and the Red Wings need to stay strategic with how they spend valuable cap space.