We’re just a month out from the 2023-24 NHL Trade Deadline, and there’s anticipation around the decisions Steve Yzerman, the GM of the Detroit Red Wings, will make. Should the Red Wings maintain their strong performance from January, positioning themselves as playoff contenders, Yzerman might find himself compelled to make a move or two before the deadline. Evan Sabourin from The Hockey Writers has proposed three potential players the Red Wings could bring in before the trade deadline.
3 Players the Red Wings could Acquire
In a recent piece, Sabourin proposes that the Red Wings might explore trading for defensemen Noah Hanifin, Marcus Pettersson, or Jakob Chychrun. Here’s a rundown of Sabourin’s insights on each player as a potential target for Detroit:
Noah Hanifin: Left-handed defenseman playing for the Calgary Flames. Despite not fully meeting early career expectations, the 27-year-old Hanifin is noted for his strong two-way play. With the Flames showing openness to trades, exemplified by recent deals, Hanifin emerges as a valuable trade asset. This season, he has contributed significantly to the Flames’ power-play efforts with nine goals and 17 assists. As his contract is set to expire, making him an unrestricted free agent, Hanifin is likely to draw interest for a trade involving prospects and draft picks. The Red Wings, led by GM Steve Yzerman, could see Hanifin as a strategic addition to their defensive lineup, despite salary cap considerations.
Marcus Pettersson: Left-handed defenseman with the Pittsburgh Penguins, known for his defensive prowess. At 27, Pettersson’s size and defensive abilities make him an appealing option for teams in contention. His contract, extending beyond the current season, aligns well with the Red Wings’ timeline. While the Penguins may aim for a playoff push, Pettersson could potentially be acquired by the Red Wings for a reasonable price, possibly involving a lower-end prospect and mid-round draft pick. Yzerman’s interest in Pettersson remains uncertain, but the move would require similar financial adjustments as those made by other teams in similar situations.
Jakob Chychrun: Left-handed defenseman playing for the Ottawa Senators, known for his two-way play and offensive skills. Chychrun’s career has been characterized by high potential and injury concerns, including multiple knee surgeries. Despite a no-trade clause and a substantial cap hit through 2024-2026, Chychrun presents both risk and potential reward for teams seeking a dynamic defender. With the Senators contemplating trading him during a challenging season, Detroit sees Chychrun as a potential addition to their rebuilding efforts under GM Steve Yzerman, despite the risks associated with his injury history. Pursuing Chychrun would require careful consideration of investing in a player with a history of significant injuries.
