The Detroit Red Wings need another top-line forward and should look to make a massive splash in the trade market.
Heavy.com has a trade idea that sees the Red Wings acquiring Mathew Barzal from the New York Islanders in a blockbuster deal.
Red Wings acquire:
Islanders acquire:
- Michael Brandsegg-Nygard
- Carter Mazur
- 2026 first-round pick
- 2027 first-round pick
The proposed deal would be a blockbuster as Detroit would acquire Barzal, who has years left on control for two forward prospects and two first-round picks. New York likely needs to rebuild, so adding an impact prospect in Brandsegg-Nygard and two firsts help them out.
The Red Wings would add Barzal, who’s entering the third year of an eight-year, $73.2 million deal. Barzal would be a first-line forward for Detroit and add some speed and offense to the lineup. Barzal recorded 6 goals and 14 assists for 20 points in 30 games last season as he dealt with injuries. His career high is 23 goals and 85 points, as he would be a star offensive player for Detroit.
In return, the Red Wings would give up two first-round picks and Brandsegg-Nygard as the key parts of the deal. Brandsegg-Nygard was selected 15th overall in 2024, and he should push for NHL minutes this season, and would fit in perfectly with the Islanders’ roster.
New York would also acquire Mazur, who made his NHL debut last season. The 23-year-old winger is a bottom-six forward and could play a depth role for the Islanders this season.
Red Wings Need to Add More Offense
Detroit is in the midst of a nine-year playoff drought, and the Red Wings need to add more offense to the lineup.
The Red Wings had a relatively quiet offseason in terms of adding scoring, as their big move on forward was signing veteran James van Riemsdyk.
However, last season, Detroit finished the year 22nd in goals scored, and if the Red Wings are going to make the playoffs, they need to simply score more.
Although Detroit is in a massive playoff drought, Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman figured it would be a quiet offseason.
“Going into free agency, we all recognized that it was going to be difficult all around the League,” Yzerman said. “For whatever reason, there weren’t as many what we would all consider high-end free agents available this year. So, it wasn’t really a shock to us that we weren’t able to get anything done with any of the bigger-name guys.”
Yet, Detroit still has plenty of cap space and prospects to make a bold trade happen.
Barzal Named a Trade Candidate
New York had a great offseason, winning the draft lottery and then dealing Noah Dobson for two first-round picks.
However, the Islanders would be better off entering a rebuild. If they do start a rebuild, Daily Faceoff senior writer Matt Larkin believes Barzal is one potential trade candidate for the team.
“Barzal’s prime is ticking away. His Isles haven’t advanced past the first round of the playoffs since 2020-21. He has spun his wheels in recent years, whether it’s because the team played a conservative style, he was banged up, or both,” Larkin wrote.
“He’s a supremely gifted skater and puckhandler, and it feels like he’s capable of reaching a much higher ceiling if placed in a situation that lets him play a looser style. At 27, he could still produce like a star if given a chance to reset.”
Barzal has spent his entire career with the Islanders after being selected 16th overall in 2015.
Trade Idea Sees Red Wings Adding $73.2M Star in Blockbuster