Deal approved: Red Wings go all in to sign $92.8 million star in three-player blockbuster.
The Detroit Red Wings are aiming to be proactive this summer, and one trade proposal involves adding a top center.
PuckPedia’s PuckGM tool allows users to make their own transactions. One user requested that the Red Wings acquire Elias Pettersson from the Vancouver Canucks.
The suggested trade would be a blockbuster, with Detroit taking a risk on Pettersson, who may be a top-10 player in the NHL, and the Canucks receiving two top prospects and two first-round selections.
The Red Wings would acquire Pettersson, who could benefit from a change of scenery. The Swede might be Detroit’s first-line center, with seven years remaining on his eight-year, $92.8 million contract. Pettersson struggled last season, scoring just 15 goals and 30 assists for 45 points in 64 games. However, he was wounded and had a disagreement with a teammate. When he is at his peak, Pettersson is a 100-point scorer and a quality first-line center, which Detroit requires.
In exchange, Detroit would give up two first-round picks and Danielson. Danielson was drafted ninth overall in 2023 and is expected to play in the NHL the following season. He can help fill Pettersson’s vacuum, but he will most likely be a middle-six center in the NHL.
The Red Wings would also deal Wallinder, a top defensive prospect. Wallinder was chosen 32nd overall in 2020 and could compete for an NHL job next season. He is most likely a second or third-pairing defenseman in the NHL.
The former Canucks coach remains confident in Pettersson.
Pettersson struggled this season, and his effort was a huge concern.
After signing his lucrative deal, the star striker appeared to lose interest. However, Rick Tocchet who managed the Canucks last season and now will be the Philadelphia Flyers coach, he has great faith in the Swede.
“From the bottom of my heart, he is going to have a bounce-back year,” Tocchet added. “He’s a great kid. He has to gain confidence in himself. But he also has teammates. He has to regain his colleagues’ trust.”
Although Tocchet feels Pettersson can be a 100-point player again, his name has come up in trade negotiations, and the Canucks may try to move on from him. If they do, it makes a lot of sense for the Red Wings to acquire him.
Red Wings Need Help in the Center
Dylan Larkin is Detroit’s first-line center, but he is more of a second-line center on a Cup-winning club.
NHL expert Brennan McClain of Pro Hockey Rumors believes the Red Wings should make a move for a center this offseason.
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