The Detroit Red Wings are on the hunt for a second line center. They’ve been linked to Anaheim Ducks forward Mason McTavish countless times. Even general manager Steve Yzerman has mentioned his desire to upgrade in order to contend for the playoffs. As of right now, though, it doesn’t look like a McTavish trade is in the cards.
“I don’t think the Ducks will move McTavish,” said Anthony Di Marco of Daily Faceoff. “My best guess is that a bridge deal ultimately gets done.” Cam Robinson on “Serekes and Price” further backed up Di Marco’s claims. “I’ve always felt he was going to stay in Anaheim. The issue is that he would like a nice big fat long term deal. Anaheim would like to bridge him.”
With McTavish potentially off the table, the Red Wings have to look somewhere else. Heavy.com proposed a deal that would secure a low-risk, high-reward center from the Boston Bruins.
Red Wings Receive:
- Casey Mittelstadt
Bruins Receive:
- J.T. Compher
This one-for-one deal gives both teams a center in need of a fresh start. Mittelstadt struggled to make an impact in Boston with just six points in 18 games with the Bruins. Compher, on the other hand, put up just 32 points in 76 games with the Red Wings last season.
What Mittelstadt Brings to Detroit
Mittelstadt, 26, had a relatively underwhelming season between the Colorado Avalanche and the Bruins. In 81 games, the former 8th overall pick posted 15 goals and 25 assists. While his six points with the Bruins may appear disappointing, it’s important to note that Mittelstadt had to learn a completely new system with Boston. He’d have an entire offseason with the Red Wings to learn and adopt their style of play in 2o25-26.
Mittelstadt is a pass-first player. His vision is his greatest strength. When left open, the 6’1″ center can create passing lanes and open up avenues for scoring. The Red Wings, who posted an abysmal goal differential last season, are in desperate need of extra offense. Adding Mittelstadt to the fold would be a clear upgrade to the team’s playmaking.
Mittelstadt Could Come in Cheap
To top it all off, there’s a chance the Red Wings can move around some salary to score Mittelstadt. An anonymous executive, in an interview with RG Media, thinks Mittelstadt is a good buy low candidate.
“I think a lot of teams have been and are expecting the Bruins to flip him at some point, but where’s his value at right now if that’s the case? They may just see how it goes this season. Maybe he reshapes his value, and if they’re out of it again at the next trade deadline, then they move him then and parlay him into another pick or prospect.”
Mittelstadt has two years left on his contract making $5.75M per season. It’s hard to imagine they’ll get good value from flipping the forward. But, should the Bruins want to move on from Mittelstadt, the Red Wings could secure the 26 year old at a premium. Getting Compher’s contract off the books for the next three seasons could make a major difference for the Red Wings.
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