With the 2022 NHL Trade Deadline just a few days away, the Detroit Red Wings and general manager Steve Yzerman once again find themselves in an interesting predicament. As expected, the Wings will be sellers heading into Monday much to the anticipation and chagrin of fans. As was the case last year, the name of the game for Detroit will be to continue to stockpile prospects and draft picks as the organization continues to navigate through their rebuild to further complement the likes of Moritz Seider, Lucas Raymond, and Dylan Larkin. Let’s dive in and take a closer look at which players and assets Detroit may target or offload ahead of Monday’s deadline.
Make sure to check out all of our other NHL Trade Deadline Previews.
Current Status
Current Record: 24-29-7
Division Standing: Fifth Place in the Atlantic Division
Buyers or Sellers: Sellers
2022 Second and Third-Round Picks
Although there is no physical player attached to these selections, one of Detroit’s top priorities will be to hopefully land a few draft picks in the second and third rounds ahead of this summers’ 2022 NHL Entry Draft. Over the past few weeks, Nick Leddy’s name has swirled in various trade rumors. At 30 years of age, Leddy would be an excellent middle-pairing defenseman for a variety of teams looking to add some experience and puck-moving ability ahead of the deadline.
Yzerman will certainly entertain trade offers, and even has the flexibility to retain some of his $5.5 million salary as a pending unrestricted free agent. In addition to Leddy, names such as Sam Gagner and Filip Zadina have also surfaced as players who the Red Wings may be willing to part ways with if the price is right. If the Wings could garner a second or third-round pick from other organizations in exchange for any of the aforementioned names, that would be a “win-win” for die-hard fans out in Motown.
Owen Tippett
Tippett’s name has emerged over the past few weeks as someone the Florida Panthers may be willing to part ways with. A talented winger with an impressive skill set, this is a player who should certainly be on Yzerman’s radar. After a promising start to the season in Sunrise, Tippett has lost his way a bit with the Panthers. This is primarily due to Florida’s extreme depth at right wing with the likes of Carter Verhaeghe, Sam Reinhart, Anthony Duclair, and Patric Hornqvist all ahead of him on the depth chart.
At the tender age of 23 and a former 10th overall pick back in 2017, Tippett would be given a fresh start and a real opportunity in Detroit with the rebuilding Wings. In 42 games this season with the Panthers, Tippett has scored six goals and 14 points to go along with a plus-two rating playing a mere 12:32 per game. He’s a player who would look real nice in the red and white of Detroit. We’ll just have to wait and see how it all plays out.
Vladislav Namestnikov
At 29 years of age and a pending free agent at season’s end, Namestnikov would be a nice addition for a team looking for some added offensive punch in their middle-six forward group. In 58 games this season with the Wings, Namestnikov has scored 13 goals and 24 points in 15:12 worth of ice time. Not too shabby for a team on the outside looking in, in the Eastern Conference playoff picture. In addition, his $2 million cap hit is just what the doctor ordered for teams facing salary cap restrictions. Don’t be surprised to see Namestnikov dealt ahead of Monday’s deadline.
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