The Detroit Red Wings have done a good job adding more depth to their roster, but one trade idea has them acquiring another veteran middle-six forward.
Heavy.com proposed a deal that would see the Red Wings acquire Kevin Hayes from the Pittsburgh Penguins in an intriguing move.
Red Wings acquire:
Penguins acquire:
- Justin Holl
- 2026 third-round pick
The proposed deal would be an intriguing one as Detroit would acquire Hayes, who would be a good middle-six forward, for a draft pick and an NHL defenseman who is used to match salaries.
The Red Wings would acquire Hayes, who’s entering the final year of his seven-year, $50 million deal. Hayes would likely be a third-line forward who would add some size and physicality to the roster, but would also add some secondary scoring. Hayes recorded 13 goals and 10 assists for 23 points in 64 games. The 6-foot-5 forward is likely a trade candidate as the Penguins are looking to rebuild.
In return, the Red Wings would give up a third-round pick and get off Holl’s contract. Holl is entering the final year of his three-year, $10.2 million deal, and it hasn’t worked out as he was a scratch at times last season. Holl skated in 73 games, recording 2 goals and 6 assists for 8 points. He’s likely Detroit’s seventh defenseman next season and is a logical trade candidate.
Red Wings Bring in Competition for Holl
Holl was supposed to solidify the defense for the Red Wings, but that hasn’t happened.
Holl had struggled to be an impact player for Detroit, and in his final year of the deal, his roster spot is not guaranteed. The Red Wings even signed Jacob Bernard-Docker to create some competition with Holl.
“Jacob Bernard-Docker gives us a little bit of depth on defense,” Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman said. “Not a big-name signing but has been an effective player in his time in Ottawa in particular. He plays hard and competes.”
Bernard-Docker signed a one-year, $875,000 deal with the Red Wings. Last season, between the Ottawa Senators and Buffalo Sabres, he skated in 40 games, recording 2 goals and 6 assists for 8 points. He was selected 26th overall in the 2018 NHL Draft.
Red Wings GM Not Ruling Out Making More Moves
Detroit has made some impact moves this offseason, and Yzerman isn’t ruling out making more.
The Red Wings have signed Bernard-Docker, James van Riemsdyk, Ian Mitchell, and Mason Appleton to add more depth to the roster. Yzerman believes the team is better now than it was last season, but he isn’t ruling out making another move.
“It’s just been my experience over the years that things kind of work themselves out,” Yzerman said. “Opportunities arise. You try to force it or chase it, there’s too many years, too many dollars or you give up too much in a trade… Trying to be diligent, maybe patient, just wait for the right player, the right opportunity, whether it is in a trade or in free agency, to add to our lineup and use our assets wisely if we can.”
The Red Wings still have just over $12 million in cap space.
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This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
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