Red Wings linked to longtime NHL veteran defenseman

It hasn't been a secret in Detroit that the blue line needed bolstering entering the offseason. After underwhelming changes at that position, rumors state that Steve Yzerman must still be looking to find ways to make his team better quickly.

In a new trade proposal, the Red Wings are set to acquire a two-time Stanley Cup champion from the Tampa Bay Lightning: Ryan McDonagh.

Per Heavy.com, the Wings would need to send prospect Shai Buium, forward Michael Rasmussen, and a 2026 fourth-round pick to the Lightning in return.

McDonagh, 35, is entering the final year of his seven-year, $6.75 million AAV contract and has a 12-team no-trade list. Even at his age, McDonagh remains productive. Last season, he scored 31 points with a +43 rating in Tampa, as well as three points in five playoff games.

From Detroit's perspective, this deal could bring the leadership and stability needed at the back end.

That said, the price is high. Rasmussen is a reliable two-way forward under contract for three more years, and Buium is one of Detroit's most promising defensive prospects.

With that in mind, it would be surprising to see such a deal happen. Yzerman, who's renowned for being true to his ways, is unlikely to trade away future talent for win-now options, especially a 35-year-old defenseman.

Also, if McDonagh does become available on the market, many teams will be interested. Multiple reports suggested the defenseman would be a great fit with the New York Rangers, Columbus Blue Jackets, or even Los Angeles Kings.

The Lightning GM Julien BriseBois already traded McDonagh once. It'll be interesting to see if he'll decide to keep him or pull off another impressive deal to bring youth and skills to his team ahead of the next season.