The Detroit Red Wings are looking to add to their blue line this offseason, and one analyst proposed an intriguing trade.
Red Wings analyst Max Bultman of The Athletic proposed a deal that would see Detroit acquire Nicolas Hague from the Vegas Golden Knights.
Red Wings acquire:
Golden Knights acquire:
- Jonatan Berggren
- 2026 second-round pick
The proposed deal would be intriguing as Vegas is likely to move Hague due to salary reasons and get a second-round pick and a young NHL forward in return. The Red Wings, meanwhile, get a 6-foot-6 defenseman who plays on one of the top pairings.
Hague is an RFA after completing his three-year, $6.88 million deal with the Golden Knights. Hague can play on Detroit’s first or second pairing and add some size and physicality to the blue line. With the Golden Knights last season, Hague recorded 5 goals and 7 assists for 12 points in 68 games. The 26-year-old is more known for his shutdown ability.
In return, the Red Wings would give up a second-round pick. Which would be the key part of the trade as well as Berggren. Beggren is also a pending RFA and is a solid third-line forward who can add some offense. The 24-year-old recorded 12 goals and 12 assists for 24 points in 75 games last season.
Analyst Explains Red Wings-Golden Knights Trade
The trade makes sense for both teams as Vegas gets some assets back for Hague, who is likely to be traded.
In the trade idea, Bultman explained the rationale, and a big reason for the deal is to get a draft pick they can trade at the deadline.
“That all makes Hague an offer-sheet candidate, and his modest offensive production means the compensation would likely be a second-round pick ($2.34 million through $4.68 million),” Bultman wrote. “That’s going to be a tempting offer for many teams to make for a 26-year-old who stands 6-6 and has Stanley Cup pedigree.
“This offer would allow Detroit to jump the line for that bidding by giving Vegas the second-rounder and Berggren. Who could be one of those inexpensive forwards they need for 2025-26,” Bultman added. “I considered a 2025 second-rounder instead. But in Vegas’ case, it might make more sense to be a 2026 pick because then the Golden Knights can trade it at the deadline for something to help them in the present.”
As Bultman notes, instead of trying to beat out other teams for an offer sheet, Detroit adds Berggren to the trade to get Hague, who can play alongside Moritz Seider and be a shutdown defenseman.
Hague Would Bring Cup Experience to Detroit
The Red Wings have missed the playoffs in nine straight years, as Detroit is looking to put that to an end.
Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman says the goal is to add talented players to their young core and help them make the playoffs next season.
“We’re building a nucleus of a good team with the idea that this team is going to win,” Yzerman said. “I don’t measure success by making the playoffs one year and bowing out the next year. I consider it being continued success. That you’re in and expected to be in the playoffs. You’re trying to win and aiming for Stanley Cups. That’s what we’re trying to do here.”
Hague would fit that bill as he won the Stanley Cup with the Golden Knights in 2023. He’s also played in 44 career playoff games.
Analyst Proposes Trade That Sees Red Wings Acquire 6-Foot-6 Defenseman