Detroit Red Wings acquire $21M defenseman from the Buffalo Sabres in a trade proposal that benefits both sides

Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman confused some fans by signing defenseman Travis Hamonic to a 1-year contract, despite having some of the worst metric numbers of any blueliner in the NHL over the last several years.

A recently proposed trade from Heavy.com sees the Red Wings pick up additional defensive help from the divisional foe Buffalo Sabres in return for draft picks that they've accumulated over the last several years.

The Red Wings have ample draft capital that they would realistically be able to spend on players that could help them right now as opposed to waiting and seeing and using it to take a player that likely won't play in the NHL for 5+ years.

The signing of Travis Hamonic wasn't well received by Red Wings fans, who have grown frustrated watching players like Justin Holl and Jeff Petry over the last few years.

A player like Samuelsson would have the opposite effect. Not only has he been one of the better defensemen on a poor Sabres team, but he also is only 2 years removed from a +18 rating.

Samuelsson also averaged close to 20 minutes per game this year. His potential acquisition wouldn't cost Detroit a prospect or current player, and his AAV (average annual value) of $4,285,714 is affordable given Detroit's cap situation.