The Detroit Red Wings haven’t made many big splashes this offseason, but one trade idea changes that.
Heavy.com proposed a deal that would see the Red Wings acquire Erik Karlsson from the Pittsburgh Penguins in a blockbuster deal.
Red Wings acquire:
- Erik Karlsson ($3.5 million retained)
Penguins acquire:
- Nate Danielson
- Erik Gustafsson
- 2025 second-round pick
- 2028 fourth-round pick
The proposed deal would be a blockbuster as Detroit would acquire a star defenseman to add some more offense to the back end, while Pittsburgh gets two draft picks, a young NHL forward, and an NHL defenseman who can replace Karlsson.
The Red Wings would acquire Karlsson, who has two years left on his eight-year, $92 million deal, but the Penguins would retain $3.5 million to make it more affordable for Detroit. Karlsson would help mentor Moritz Seider, who’s also an offensive defenseman, while Karlsson can run the second power play and add some offense to the second-pairing. He recorded 11 goals and 42 assists for 53 points in 82 games this season.
In return, the Red Wings give up two draft picks, but the big part of the return would be Danielson. The centerman was selected ninth overall in 2023 and has yet to play in the NHL. He would be better off being part of the Penguins’ rebuild as he likely projects to be a third-line center in the NHL.
The Red Wings would also trade Gustafsson, who becomes expendable with the addition of Karlsson. He’s entering the final year of his two-year, $4 million deal. Gustafsson could help fill the void of Karlsson and be used as a trade chip at the deadline, as Pittsburgh could get more assets for him.
Red Wings Have Been Linked to Karlsson
Detroit making a move for Karlsson wouldn’t be a surprise, as the Red Wings have been linked as a potential suitor.
NHL insider Shayna Goldman of The Athletic named the Red Wings as a potential trade destination for Karlsson.
“Speaking of teams with weaknesses on the right, there’s the Red Wings. Behind Moritz Seider, their current depth is only Justin Holl,” Goldman wrote. “Like Ottawa and even Vancouver, Detroit’s not a true contender yet. But with an aggressive offseason, there’s a path back to the postseason. One of the keys is bolstering the offense.
“As red hot as the power play was last season, it didn’t make up for what lacked at five-on-five. Detroit’s expected goal generation ranked 25th in the league, and its scoring sunk to 30th. Adding a puck-mover of Karlsson’s caliber could help the Red Wings regain control and push back up ice, where their forwards can get to work,” Goldman added.
Karlsson would help Detroit be a much better team and look to snap its nine-year playoff drought. With the Swede only having two years left on his deal, it’s also a low-risk move for the Red Wings.
Red Wings GM Not Ruling Out Making a Big Move
Detroit’s big move of the offseason was acquiring John Gibson to solidify the goalie position.
Outside of that, the Red Wings tried to improve their overall depth with signings like James van Riemsdyk and Jacob Bernard-Docker, among others. However, Detroit’s general manager Steve Yzerman isn’t ruling out the team making some big moves.
“It’s just been my experience over the years that things kind of work themselves out,” Yzerman said. “Opportunities arise. You try to force it or chase it, there’s too many years, too many dollars or you give up too much in a trade… Trying to be diligent, maybe patient, just wait for the right player, the right opportunity, whether it is in a trade or in free agency, to add to our lineup and use our assets wisely if we can.”
Detroit has just over $12 million in cap space.
Trade Idea Has Red Wings Acquiring Star $92M Defenseman in Blockbuster