The Detroit Red Wings should look to add more talent and depth to their roster.
Heavy.com has the Red Wings acquiring Cole Sillenger from the Columbus Blue Jackets to be a middle-six scoring winger in a one-for-one deal.
Red Wings acquire:
Blue Jackets acquire:
- Michael Rasmussen
- 2026 second-round pick
The proposed deal would be an intriguing one as Detroit and Columbus would make a one-for-one swap of young forwards who could use a change of scenery. Columbus would also get a second-round pick.
Detroit would acquire Sillinger, who’s entering the final year of his two-year, $4.5 million deal. Sillinger could be a third-line forward to start, but could play up and down the Red Wings’ lineup as he’d add some youth and skill to the lineup. Sillinger recorded 11 goals and 22 assists for 33 points in 66 games. He was selected 12th overall in 2021, but he hasn’t lived up to expectations and could use a change of scenery.
In return, the Red Wings would trade Rasmussen, who was selected ninth overall in 2017. However, the centerman hasn’t produced as much offensively as expected and could need a change of scenery.
Rasmussen could be a third-line center for the Blue Jackets and add some size to the lineup. The 6-foot-6 forward is entering the second year of his four-year, $12.8 million deal. Rasmussen recorded 11 goals and 10 assists for 21 points in 77 games.
Sillinger Named Trade Chip for Blue Jackets
Sillinger would be a top-six forward for the Red Wings, and add could use a change of scenery.
He was supposed to be an impact player for the Blue Jackets, but that hasn’t worked out. Yet, Blue Jackets insider Aaron Portzline named Sillinger a trade chip for Columbus this offseason.
“This one would sting. Sillinger is an important part of the Blue Jackets at a very young age, and there’s certainly no desire to trade him,” Portzline wrote. “But if the Blue Jackets are in the market for big moves involving significant pieces, they’d have to include impact players, too. Sillinger, who plays behind Adam Fantilli and Sean Monahan, would move the needle for a lot of clubs.”
Sillinger would be able to land some good assets, but his play as of late could have hindered his trade stock.
Red Wings GM Believes They Are a Playoff Team
Detroit has missed the playoffs in nine straight years, but the Red Wings are looking to snap it.
The Red Wings haven’t been too active this offseason, but general manager Steve Yzerman believes the team is better.
“Today, I think our team is a little bit more competitive,” Yzerman said. “Maybe constructed a little better than it was at this stage last year, so I’m hopeful that we take a step… Overall, I think we’re a little bit better. How many points does that translate to in the season? We’re going to find out.”
The Red Wings added the likes of James van Riemsdyk, Jacob Bernard-Docker, and Mason Appleton as their major moves this offseason.
Yzerman isn’t ruling out the team making another move before camp. But the Red Wings GM is confident in the team taking another step next season.
Red Wings Add Young Forward in New 1-for-1 Trade Pitch