The Detroit Red Wings have missed out on one of their top trade targets. Detroit was previously linked with a move for Vancouver Canucks defenseman Tyler Myers. Vancouver even went to the blueliner to see if he was willing to go to Michigan. Due to a no-move clause in his contract, the veteran had to sign off on any deal.
Nevertheless, Myers delayed making a final decision to see what other teams would come calling. The decision has worked out. The veteran officially joined the Dallas Stars on March 4. In the deal, Dallas sent a second-round draft pick and a fourth-round selection back to Vancouver for the veteran defenseman.
With Myers now off the board, the Red Wings will have to pivot to other candidates. Luckily for Detroit, there are several quality right-shot defensemen available in the market. St. Louis Blues star Justin Faulk is perhaps the top player in this specific category. The Red Wings have been heavily linked with the veteran in recent days.
Outside of Faulk, Detroit could also eventually target New Jersey Devils’ Dougie Hamilton and Rasmus Ristolainen of the Philadelphia Flyers. All three of these blueliners are expected to be dealt before March 6. Another player who would fit in well with the Red Wings is Hamilton’s current teammate, Simon Nemec. The fellow defenseman was previously selected number two overall in the 2022 draft.
Detroit Red Wings Have the Assets to Acquire Simon Nemec
GettySimon Nemec recently competed at the Olympics with Team Slovakia.
NHL insider Pierre LeBrun revealed on March 4 that the Devils are taking calls on Nemec. The news is relatively shocking considering how highly rated the young blueliner is around the league. Nemec, 22, has already set his career high in points this season with 21 in just 47 games. As a result, LeBrun claims that there is “no shortage of teams checking in” on the budding star.
Detroit is fairly likely to be one of these clubs. There is, however, a bit of a hitch in any potential deal involving the soon-to-be restricted free agent. Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman typically prefers to avoid acquiring rentals. Although he will be an RFA, not a true unrestricted free agent, the exec may want to be assured Nemec wants to remain in Detroit for the foreseeable future before striking a deal with New Jersey.
The Red Wings could very well have an advantage in the negotiations, though. According to LeBrun, the Devils would want to upgrade their forwards in a deal involving Nemec. Detroit may not want to part ways with a key NHL piece at the moment, but it does have plenty of top prospects. In fact, Daily Faceoff recently rated the Red Wings as having the best assets among all deadline buyers.
Nemec Could Become Perfect Partner to Ben Chiarot
Yzerman would almost certainly have to give up a solid package to acquire Nemec. Nevertheless, the youngster could form a formidable second-line pairing alongside Ben Chiarot. The 6’3″, 222-pound veteran is a physical defenseman. Nemec, on the other hand, brings calmness to the blue line as a cerebral puck handler.
Missing out on Myers may sting a little bit, yet Detroit still has options. If the Red Wings can top other teams’ offers for Nemec, the club will be better off in the long run.
Red Wings May Target Breakout Star Blueliner After Failed Trade