The Detroit Red Wings are in the thick of the playoff race, and a proposed trade scenario has them landing a former first-round pick in a major three-player deal.
Using PuckPedia’s PuckGM tool, a fan-crafted trade suggestion involves the Red Wings acquiring Trevor Zegras from the Anaheim Ducks.
Trade Proposal:
Red Wings receive:
- Trevor Zegras
Ducks receive:
- Joe Veleno
- Erik Gustafsson
- 2025 first-round pick
This hypothetical deal would bring Zegras, a dynamic playmaker and fan favorite, to Detroit in exchange for Veleno—himself a former first-round selection—along with a veteran defenseman and a future first-rounder.
Zegras, currently in the second season of his three-year, $17.25 million contract, has played 32 games this season, tallying six goals and nine assists for 15 points. After recovering from an early-season injury, he has struggled to regain top form, but a change of scenery could reignite his game. In Detroit, he would likely slot into a top-six forward role.
The Ducks would receive Veleno, who was drafted in the first round in 2018 and is in the first season of a two-year, $4.55 million deal. He has recorded five goals and five assists in 50 games this season and, like Zegras, may benefit from a fresh start. Gustafsson, meanwhile, is in the first year of a two-year, $4 million contract and could provide veteran stability on Anaheim’s blue line. He has two goals and 11 assists in 47 games this season.
Red Wings in the Playoff Hunt
Detroit is pushing to end its playoff drought, holding onto the final postseason spot as they head into the 4 Nations Face-Off break. Head coach Todd McLellan sees the break as a valuable opportunity for assessment and improvement.
“We can take some time to breathe,” McLellan said. “As a staff, we’ll review where we’ve been and what we need to work on… For us to move forward, game-management skills are going to have to improve.”
The Red Wings entered the break with a strong 7-2-1 record in their last 10 games, bringing their season mark to 28-22-5. Detroit hasn’t reached the playoffs since the 2015-16 season.
Zegras’ Return from Injury
Zegras suffered a torn meniscus on December 4 but returned to action on January 21. He admitted the recovery process was frustrating but was eager to get back on the ice.
“You hate missing games, (especially) after last season,” Zegras said. “I feel good. I feel confident and strong and ready to go.”
Drafted ninth overall in 2019, Zegras has played 243 NHL games, amassing 61 goals and 108 assists for 169 points.
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