Analyst Suggests Red Wings Could Target $50 Million Star in Major Trade
After missing the playoffs for a ninth straight season, the Detroit Red Wings may be gearing up for a significant offseason overhaul. With a deep pool of draft picks and prospects, Detroit is in a strong position to pursue a high-impact trade.
NHL analyst Sam Stockton of The Hockey News has connected the Red Wings to Winnipeg Jets forward Kyle Connor, suggesting a potential blockbuster move.
“Connor, a Shelby Township native and former University of Michigan standout, is a familiar name for Red Wings fans,” Stockton wrote. “While he’s likely the toughest player on the list to acquire due to Winnipeg’s playoff contention, it’s still possible he could be traded depending on how their postseason unfolds.”
Connor, 28, has one year remaining on a seven-year, $50 million contract that carries a $7.14 million cap hit and includes a 10-team no-trade clause. Stockton noted that Winnipeg could consider moving him this offseason to avoid losing him for nothing in free agency next year, and his Michigan ties could make a trade to Detroit more appealing.
Acquiring Connor would give the Red Wings a top-line scoring winger to bolster their offense. He just wrapped up a season with 97 points (41 goals, 56 assists) in 82 games.
Red Wings GM Open to Big Additions
General manager Steve Yzerman has acknowledged that the team is looking to bring in more top-tier talent. With over $21 million in cap space available, Yzerman said the Red Wings would be willing to pursue a star player if the fit is right.
“We’re open to adding a prominent free agent or player if they fit our needs and want to be in Detroit,” Yzerman said on April 29. “We have a solid young core now, and we’re in a different phase than we were a few years ago.”
Detroit also holds the 13th overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, which could be a key trade asset in a deal for a high-profile player like Connor.
Would you like a mock trade proposal showing what Detroit might have to give up for Connor?
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