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The Red Wings are not done: NHL insider reveals trades are underway
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An NHL insider believes that the Red Wings aren't done on the market, with a potential trade underway that would be a massive game-changer in Detroit.
With less than two months before the start of training camp, Detroit general manager Steve Yzerman may be getting ready to make a massive move that would help the Red Wings return to the playoffs for the first time in ten years.
Indeed, a report suggested that the Wings could make a deal with the Pittsburgh Penguins to land Erik Karlsson.
The Pittsburgh Penguins, stuck in a frustrating three-year playoff drought despite a solid veteran core and talented young players, are open for business.
Pittsburgh Penguins are Looking to Trade Erik Karlsson
Defenseman Erik Karlsson is drawing interest once again on the trade market, as his stint in Pittsburgh obviously hasn't worked out as everyone hoped.
At $11.5 million a year with a full no-move clause, Karlsson's deal isn't easy to move, but Detroit might be a great destination.
On Daily Faceoff LIVE, Matt Larkin pointed to Detroit as a perfect landing spot:
"I really like him for the Detroit Red Wings. That would be an ideal fit. They're a team that I think wanted to bid on Aaron Ekblad didn't even get the chance I think they really badly need that right-shot defenseman. You could have a mentor for your young Swedes on defense, Simon Edvinsson and Axel Sandin Pellikka as well, would be a nice fit with Erik Karlsson there. He just brings something that they need, a bona fide top-four defenseman. So I'd be kicking the tires hard on him if I'm Detroit, who also has a really deep and loaded Prospect pipeline. There's a really nice fit for a trade there."
Listen to his full intervention here:
With the Red Wings having reportedly shown interest in Aaron Ekblad earlier this summer, it's clear Yzerman is looking to bolster the right side of his blue line.
Even if he lost some of his speed, Karlsson still offers elite puck-moving ability and experience that Detroit's young core could learn from.
But if the Penguins want to trade him, they'll have no choice but to retain a part of his salary, which would make his price even higher on the market.
With 50% retained on his contract, the Wings would need to send an interesting return to Pittsburgh.
Yzerman's rebuild has reached a tipping point, and Karlsson's acquisition could be what propels the franchise back into the playoffs.
| POLL | ||
JUILLET 24 | 140 ANSWERS The Red Wings are not done: NHL insider reveals trades are underway Do you think the Detroit Red Wings would make the playoffs next season if they acquired Erik Karlsson in a trade with the Pittsburgh Penguins? | ||
| Yes | 63 | 45 % |
| No | 77 | 55 % |
| List of polls | ||
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