The Detroit Red Wings are aiming to end their nine-year playoff drought and are expected to be aggressive in their pursuit of roster upgrades.
A Potential Trade Proposal
According to Heavy.com, a potential trade between the Red Wings and the Seattle Kraken could help both teams address their current needs:
- Detroit would receive: Jordan Eberle
- Seattle would receive: Michael Rasmussen
This proposed one-for-one swap would give Detroit a seasoned forward in Eberle, who could boost their offensive depth. In contrast, Seattle would gain a younger player in Rasmussen who fits their developing core.
Eberle, who is entering the final year of a two-year, $9.5 million contract, could slot into Detroit’s middle six and help improve their secondary scoring — an area of concern last season. The former first-rounder posted 9 goals and 17 assists (26 points) in 42 games.
Meanwhile, Rasmussen, drafted ninth overall in 2017, hasn’t quite reached his projected potential. He’s likely to serve as a fourth-liner in Detroit this year. However, at just 26 years old, Seattle may see upside in giving him a bigger role. Rasmussen tallied 11 goals and 10 assists (21 points) over 77 games last season and is signed for three more years on a four-year, $12.8 million deal.
Yzerman Still Looking to Improve Roster
Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman has already addressed goaltending by acquiring John Gibson ahead of the draft. In free agency, Detroit added depth pieces such as James van Riemsdyk, Ian Mitchell, and Jacob Bernard-Docker, though no major signings have been made so far.
Yzerman remains open to making bold moves:
“It’s just been my experience over the years that things kind of work themselves out… 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…”
Despite the lack of a marquee addition, Yzerman is optimistic about the team’s outlook:
“Today, I think our team is a little bit more competitive… Maybe constructed a little better than it was at this stage last year… Overall, I think we’re a little bit better.”
With over $12 million in salary cap space, Detroit is well-positioned to make a significant move if the opportunity arises.
Eberle’s Injury History
Eberle missed a large portion of last season due to a serious pelvic injury that required surgery following a collision with the boards.
“I hit the boards hard, and I just knew instantly something was wrong… I took a step and realized I couldn’t walk,” Eberle recalled.
He returned to action in February after a three-month recovery period. Despite the setback, he remains a valuable veteran presence and team captain in Seattle.
— Reported by Cole Shelton, NHL & MLB writer for Heavy.com
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