On the Detroit Red Wings …
Luke Fox of Sportsnet: Red Wings GM Ken Holland on Hockey Central the other day on their trade deadline strategy.
“I don’t see us being a buyer. The question is, do we become a seller or do we stand pat?” Holland said. “We certainly expected to be a little bit higher in the standings.”
Ansar Khan of MLive: The Red Wings streak of 26 consecutive season in the playoffs is in jeopardy. They are seven points out heading in to the All-Star break and are tied for last in the Conference. If/when the Red Wings become sellers, potential trade candidates include:
Thomas Vanek – foward – pending UFA. Vanek has scored 12 goals and recorded 33 points in 37 games. Carries a $2.6 million salary cap hit and will get interest from other teams. They should be able to a get a 2nd round pick for him.
Brendan Smith – defenseman – pending UFA. The soon to be 28-year old likely won’t be re-signed. Teams are usually interested in defenseman at the deadline.
Steve Ott – forward – pending UFA. The 34-year old carries a $800,000 cap hit. A team looking for some fourth line toughness might give up a late round pick for him.
Gustav Nyquist – two years left with a $4.75 million cap hit, and salaries at $5.25 million and $5.5 million. His production has decreased since 2014-15 and he has a full no-trade clause. The Chicago Blackhawks and St. Louis Blues have shown some interest in him.
Tomas Tatar – a pending RFA. He’ll be looking for Gustav Nyquist money on his next deal. His scoring has decreased as well – 29 in 2014-15, 21 last year and 11 so far this season. He’ll need offseason shoulder surgery. The Blackhawks have shown some interest.
Tomas Jurco – the 24-year old may not have much trade value. If they move out some other forwards, it may create more of an opportunity for him.
Mike Green – has nine goals and 24 point in 40 games so far this season. Has a year left at $6 million and a no-trade clause. He should get some interest though.
Petr Mrazek – Lost his starting job to Jimmy Howard and then to Jared Coreau. Has another year left at $4 million cap hit. Has a 10-12-5 record with a 3.16 GAA and .894 SV%. The Wings can only protect one of the three for the expansion draft, and it might be Coreau. May be tough to trade Mrazek due to his struggles and not many teams looking for a starter.