The Detroit Red Wings have added a couple of defenseman to bolster their blue line this offseason, but Detroit could make a move to acquire another.
Heavy.com has a trade idea that sees the Red Wings acquiring Tony DeAngelo from the New York Islanders to add more offense to the blue line.
Red Wings acquire:
Islanders acquire:
- Erik Gustafsson
- 2026 third-round pick
The proposed deal would be an interesting one, as Detroit would add more offense to the blue line, while New York gets a defenseman back to make the contracts work and a third-round pick to help along their rebuild. The Islanders could also flip Gustafsson for more assets at the deadline.
The Red Wings would add DeAngelo to add more offense to the blue line and help run the second power play unit. DeAngelo inked a one-year, $1.75 million extension with the Islanders this offseason. DeAngelo skated in 35 games last season, recording 4 goals and 15 assists for 19 points. His career high is 15 goals and 53 assists, showing his offense from the back end.
In return, Detroit would give up a third-round pick and Gustafsson, who would replace DeAngelo. Gustafsson is entering the final year of his two-year, $4 million deal and plays very similarly to DeAngelo. Gutsfasson recorded 2 goals and 16 assists for 18 points in 60 games last season.
Red Wings Could Use Another Defenseman
Moritz Seider leads Detroit’s blue line, but the Red Wings should look to add more talent to the backend.
Detroit did add Travis Hamonic and Jacob Bernard-Docker to the defensive unit this offseason, but both are like third-pairing defenseman and depth guys.
Despite adding those guys, Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman said adding another defenseman is key.
“We have plenty of cap space to do a lot of different things,” Yzerman said. “The most important thing is to find players that fit. What we could use right now is a defenseman, a top-four, and preferably a right shot. But it doesn’t have to be a right shot because we can move these guys around a little bit, but that would be our biggest potential need.”
DeAngelo would be the top-four defenseman for the Red Wings and would give the defense another offensive weapon and playmaker who can move the puck to the forwards.
DeAngelo was selected 19th overall in 2014.
Red Wings Looking to Snap Playoff Drought
Detroit is in the midst of a nine-year playoff, and the Red Wings are looking for that to end.
Yzerman believes the team is better than it was last year after the first wave of free agency and the offseason moves. But, he still isn’t sure if that translates to being a playoff team.
“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 open their 2025 NFL season on Oct. 9 against the Montreal Canadiens.
Trade Pitch Sees Red Wings Add Former 15-Goal Defenseman to Bolster Blue Line