Analysts predict a bold move by the Detroit Red Wings that would set them back ages
Photo credit: Puck Prose
While it's a move that Red Wings fans would have welcomed years ago, this prediction by an NHL analyst would set the current Detroit roster back considerably.
The Red Wings have wrapped up their year once again, having missed out on securing a spot in the Stanley Cup Playoffs; it's the longest drought in franchise history, which is about to be a full 100 years.
Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman is going to have pressure on him to deliver meaningful results before long; he has ample cap space with which to work this summer.
And while the Red Wings have been linked to names like Brock Boeser of the Vancouver Canucks and Mitch Marner of the divisional foe Toronto Maple Leafs, one analyst believes they could be eyeing a former Norris Trophy winner.
Erik Karlsson of the Pittsburgh Penguins has been involved in trade rumours; Marco Rubin of FanSided thinks that Yzerman should show interest.
The Red Wings could use a defenseman. If they decide to go in on one, someone of Karlsson's caliber could be a fit. Cap space is not a problem. They could take on his contract without needing Pittsburgh to retain any, although it would still be wise to negotiate them retaining some.
The Red Wings are a bubble playoff team, not a true Cup contender. This would be a consideration for Karlsson when deciding whether or not to waive his no-movement clause. Playing in Detroit would get him closer to the Cup than he is in Pittsburgh, but is it close enough? Karlsson would have the final say.
While it's true that Karlsson is a former Norris Trophy winner, his best years are behind him, and he comes with a considerable AAV (average annual value) of $11.5 million.
He had 53 points (11G, 42A) this year with Pittsburgh.
| POLL | ||
AVRIL 18 | 307 ANSWERS Analysts predict a bold move by the Detroit Red Wings that would set them back ages Should the Red Wings consider a trade for Erik Karlsson? | ||
| Yes | 103 | 33.6 % |
| No | 204 | 66.4 % |
| List of polls | ||
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