Detroit Red Wings acquire goal-scoring forward in completed three-time trade: A calculated move by Yzerman

At the last trade deadline, Detroit agreed to retain $1.29 million of Yanni Gourde's salary to facilitate a deal between the Seattle Kraken and Tampa Bay Lightning.

In return, the Red Wings received only a conditional fourth-round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft-a return deemed underwhelming by most analysts.

The most pressing concern isn't the pick itself, which was used to draft Brent Solomon at the 109th overall rank, but the cap space sacrificed in exchange for it.

By retaining part of Gourde's salary, Detroit took a risk, but in the end, it paid off.

Although retaining the salary of a player who will never wear a Red Wings jersey appeared to be more trouble than it's worth, in this case, it was completely calculated.

Gourde's contract expired on July 1st, and he has since signed a new deal with the Tampa Bay Lightning.

The Wings are no longer responsible for any cap hit related to him, and they walked away with a prospect in return.

Brent Solomon adds depth to Detroit's pipeline, something Yzerman values fondly. The 18-year-old, six-foot winger scored six points in eight games with the Sioux Falls Stampede in the USHL last season.

According to Dobber Prospects, the young forward has a great, accurate shot and is a threat whenever he steps foot in the offensive zone.

Solomon has a lot of work to do before becoming a true, full-time NHLer. But if he ends up reaching his potential, that trade will be remembered as a great move by Yzerman. And if he doesn't make it, no one will be angry at Yzerman for taking the risk, considering the financial implications are already in the past.