The Detroit Red Wings are always looking to improve their roster, and one area of need is down the middle of the ice.
Heavy.com proposed a deal that would see the Red Wings acquire Casey Mittlestadt from division rival Boston Bruins in an intriguing deal.
Red Wings acquire:
Bruins acquire:
- William Lagesson
- 2026 third-round pick
The proposed deal would be one where Detroit takes a flier on Mittlestadt from their rival for a depth NHL defenseman and a mid-round pick.
Mittlestadt is entering the second year of the three-year, $17.25 million deal. He could be the Red Wings’ third-line center, and the trade would likely signal Detroit dealing J.T. Compher, as his name has come up in trade talks. Mittlestadt is a former 8th overall pick who hasn’t lived up to the hype but still would be a good bottom-six forward for the Red Wings. Mittlestadt recorded 15 goals and 25 assists for 40 points in 81 games. If he can be a 40-50 point player, he’d be a good third-line secondary scorer for the Red Wings.
In return, the Red Wings would give up a third-round pick and Lagesson, who doesn’t have a path to playing time. Lagesson is 29 and is entering the first year of his two-year, $1.55 million deal. With the Bruins, the Swede could be a third-pairing defenseman and add some depth to the position. He recorded 0 goals and 1 assist in 7 games last season with Detroit.
Red Wings GM Hints at Another Move to Forward Group
The Red Wings are looking to snap their nine-year playoff drought and should look to add more talent to their roster.
Detroit hasn’t done a ton in the offseason, rather adding more depth players. Yet, Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman hinted at the team adding another forward.
“I don’t want to rule out anybody coming in, having a really strong preseason and forcing us to take a longer look to see how they start at the regular season,” Yzerman said. “That’s a possibility for several players… We’ve got 12 players signed right now. Our debate is do we sign another one to have that 13th forward? Or do we leave that spot open and see if something comes up here over the summer? Or leave it open and let all those guys earn that spot?”
If the Red Wings do add another forward, Mittlestadt would be worth the flier as it likely wouldn’t cost much to acquire him. And, if he can be a 50-point player, it would make the Red Wings that much better, as secondary scoring was an issue last season.
How Would Mittlestadt Fit With the Red Wings?
Mittlestadt hasn’t lived up to being a top-10 pick, but he’s still a good NHL player in his career.
With Detroit, Mittlestadt could compete with Marco Kasper for the second-line center role or be the third-line center. That could also pave the way for Detroit trading Compher away, which would help the Red Wings get some assets back and clear cap space.
Mittlestadt could also be on the second power play unit, but is likely to be a middle-six center for Detroit, who need more offense.
Detroit was 22nd in the NHL, last in goals scored.
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This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
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