Red Wings trade underway: 5 potential suitors officially named
Photo credit: Brett Holmes-Imagn Images
The effort to move AHL defenseman Erik Gustafsson has begun as the Detroit Red Wings and general manager Steve Yzerman are reportedly shopping him.
After a dismal 7-2 loss to the Buffalo Sabres this week, the Red Wings' priorities are to add to the cache with assets.
That involves moving defenseman Erik Gustafsson, forward Jonatan Berggren, and defenseman Justin Holl.
With all three names in the mix, it could be confusing to see who goes where, as there are a lot of moving pieces in the lineup.
As the rebuild continues, trades happen, and the team is reportedly working on a trade for defenseman Erik Gustafsson.
The two-way defenseman has some offensive potential left in his game and has found himself in the AHL after his spot in the NHL was taken by Jacob Bernard-Docker.
The team is getting younger.
Elliotte Friedman offers insight into an upcoming Red Wings trade
According to NHL Insider Elliotte Friedman, the team is looking to move on from him and has 5 potential trade partners.
The Detroit Red Wings' 5 potential trade partners for Erik Gustafsson
The Edmonton Oilers
With the Red Wings needing help in the bottom six and a reported interest in forward Mattias Janmark, this could end up being a smooth one-for-one deal that benefits both teams' lineups.
Montreal Canadiens
The Montreal Canadiens could find use for Erik Gustafsson, who could find a home on the team's power-play unit. He played five games for the Canadiens in 2020-21 and would be a welcome addition to a plucky contender.
San Jose Sharks
The San Jose Sharks are in an ongoing rebuild, but could use veteran pieces to hold a spot in the lineup until a prospect is ready to make the jump. Gustafsson would be a great option for the team to add some talent on the power-play, and John Klingberg is out injured.
Chicago Blackhawks
The Chicago Blackhawks could find a spot in the lineup for Gustafsson, as the team is having a successful start to the year. He could bolster their success as a mentor to players like Artyom Levshunov and Sam Rinzel while quarterbacking the power-play. Is a return to where it all began a smart move?
St. Louis Blues
The St. Louis Blues and Detroit Red Wings are trade partners, and could find themselves making a deal for a veteran defenseman who could add meaningful talent in the lineup, allowing Logan Mailoux to gain more experience in the AHL.
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