Red Wings News & Rumors: Trade Chips & Targets, Top 3 Prospects So Far, Takeaways After 13 & More

Red Wings News & Rumors: Trade Chips & Targets, Top 3 Prospects So Far, Takeaways After 13 & More

Hello everybody and welcome into another Red Wings news and rumors here at the Hockey Raiders. I’m your host Matthew Zour and as always Jordan joined in by Jordan North. Uh Jordan, how’s it going? Good. You know, trying to stay up for these late night games on the West Coast trip have been fun. That’s always the thing. I I I’m in the West Coast and I don’t have to worry about that at all ever. And these games are are all good times. But yeah, East East Coast watching these games, you have to stay up pretty late. But yeah, it’s uh Redmond’s doing pretty well though. Uh they’re tied at the top of the division with Montreal Canadiens as uh we’re recording here. Um coming off a not a win against the San Jose Sharks. A bit of a tight win, but it’s they almost lost that game. Um but yeah, it’s it’s been pretty good season so far for the Red Wings. and we talked about their road woes and looks like it’s not as bad as as we were talking before. Um, so we’ll start with, you know, 13 games in. It’s not a, you know, as we’re record 13 games. It would have been nice if it was 15 or 10, but we’re we’re at 13. Uh, what are your takeaways so far uh for the season? I mean, like I say, it’s a very successful uh to start, but h what have you seen from the Red Wings in these bunch of first games here? Uh you look at it from the outside looking in, you see like the numbers. You look at Lark and I mean he’s leading the way again. He seems to be like he’s a he’s like he’s a man on a mission this year to try and take that next step and being not just a captain but the leader on the ice with in each zone. I mean penalty killwise, power play wise, everything. He’s just he’s playing really good hockey so far. It’s it’s setting the standard for the rest of the guys on the team. I feel like so him leading the way. I mean, he’s can’t it’s been over 10 years since he’s been in the league. I can’t believe that’s I still remember when he got drafted. That’s the sad part. I felt like it was yesterday and he’s what 11 years in now. Yeah. But I think him leading the way and then you look at just seeing how vital someone like Patrick Kane is with him being out on this trip. You see what he does for the power play and the the top six. I mean, yeah, De Brink’s finally, he’s getting going, but he he leaves a void in that lineup that even at his age, it’s like, okay, he’s he’s still a key part of a contending team. We’ll call him that for now. Mhm. But, I mean, it’s it it’s really I don’t want to say impressive. It’s I guess it is impressive to show how much he actually still means at this point in his career on a roster like the Red Wings right now. For sure. I mean, that’s the thing about Kane. I mean, he’s he’s playing at at his age and and you know, we talked about his injury and all that stuff. Uh I mean, he is injured now. It’s not his hip. So, I mean, that’s a good thing. Um so, I mean, and we were kind of worried when he came back into the league, how long is he going to be able to play? That injury is something that gets guys out of the league and retire a bit earlier. So, it’s good that he’s been able to uh to play at a pretty good le high level even now at his age. So, it’d be good for him to come back soon. But, uh it seems like it’s kind of a day-to-day thing. It’s and we’ll see if he’s going to return soon and really help the top six in power play like we talked about before. Big time. Big time. Uh and of course, EMTT Finny. We’ve talked about him on every show and he’s continuing the production, still playing on that top line and you know, still being pretty productive over the first 13, right? Yeah, that’s another thing. I mean, you look at between him and Sandy and Pelica. Yeah. Niggard ended up getting sent down, but I mean, overall, the the kids are looking all right. They’re they’re fitting in. They’re finding their way. Yeah. He’s kind of been stagnant production-wise the last few games, but he’s he’s finding his place and he’s still he’s still playing the game he needs to. The points will continue to keep coming. I’m sure of it. But yeah, I mean, there’s going to be growing pains no matter what, whether you’re Matthew Schaefer or yeah, EMTT Finny. I mean, it’s there’s always going to be growing pains and they’re they’re rolling with it pretty well. I think you look at the guys that they have in the locker room like a Larkin, like a Sherat, the veteran kind of guys that they’ve got in Kane and Dinket, they I think that really helps out with not just the growing pains, but your first big road trip and stuff like that. But overall, I think they’ve looked really solid so far. Fingers crossed we can keep it going that way. Yeah, that’s the thing. I mean, 13 games is is quite early. I mean, a lot of teams get off of these hot starts and I mean, Buffalo Sabres are always the in the past. They always get off these hot starts and then all of a sudden just fall off. So, hopefully that doesn’t happen that they can stay consistent. Um, but yeah, very good start and uh we’ll see if it can continue over the next uh 13 when it gets to that 20 game mark where you’re kind of seeing where everything kind of fits in. Um, and when of course the November that benchmark of the American Thanksgiving where you kind of see where everyone kind of is placed in playoffs and where they are and we’ll see where the Red Wings are at that point, but looking very good right now. All right. Uh, I want to talk about some trade uh, targets and trade chips and stuff because Devin put together an article I think about a few days ago on the 30th. Um, so take a look at that if you haven’t already. But I want to talk about a few of those guys that he mentioned. Um first we’ll start with the trade chips that he mentioned there. And then Jonathan Bergren, Gustoson, and Rasmusen. Uh we talked about I know we talked about Bergen on the season preview of where he’s going to fit in. Does he have a future with the Red Wings? So it’s not really surprised he’s on this list. Um what do you think about these three guys that Devin kind of identified here? I think you could look at Bergen and Rasmmanson. are kind of I don’t want to say the same situation because they’ve had different levels of expectations, but they’re they’re kind of in this spot where it’s not really working where they’re at. Bergman’s had the chance on the power plays uh top six at certain times. I mean, he’s shown the flashes, but he just hasn’t been able to put it together. So, I mean, both of those guys a fresh start somewhere else, maybe get something going. That’s that’s probably the biggest thing for them. And then Gustoson, I mean, he could, he’s still a serviceable NHL defenseman. He showed that at times last year. I mean, just the amount of defenseman they have on the roster are kind of worked against him. He’s definitely someone that I mean, you can look at a team that, okay, we need a bottom pairing defenseman. $2 million for Capit. I mean, he can run a power play if he has to. He definitely something that I’m sure a team will look at if he’s if he’s still kicking around in Grand Rapids or whatever comes deadline, maybe even earlier. But yeah, those those three, like Devin put, I mean, they’re they’re definitely the three guys you look at possibly as the biggest trade chips. Sure. And you’re looking at uh like especially Sandy Pelica coming in. Uh that’s what kind of, you know, made the defense a little bit more of a log jam. Uh with him now, I mean, he’s established himself as a top four defenseman. So all those other guys get pushed down and Gresson kind of made maybe a bit of an odd man out at this point. So yeah, I think he probably moved and might get a draft pick, something like that in return for him. Burger and Rasmmanson are interesting because you could get something pretty good for both those guys because they still have potential. They’re still young and uh they could actually be a really productive type uh players on another team. So I I don’t know. They they might get something pretty good uh for those two. Yeah. I mean, you look you look at Rasmmanson, I mean, he’s he’s a big boy. I mean, teams like that kind of stuff, especially in the playoffs, the bottom six guys. He can I mean, if he if he can get on track, he can he can add some scoring in the in it to it, too. But, yeah, it’s just not it hasn’t been there. And it’s I know Red Wing fans are a little little I don’t want to say over, but a little irritated and kind of frustrated with how that’s all gone for him to this point. So, Bergen’s the same way. But, yeah, it’s true. And then I know we’ve talked we’ve talked Bergen so much since he’s come into the league. Uh how much potential he has and it’s unfortunate hasn’t really hit it yet. Lots of time for him. I mean it’s not like he’s he’s old and he’s you know over the hill already. He’s got a lot of a lot of time. It’s just when you look at so many prospects that the Red Wings are bringing into the lineup. EMTT Finny coming I don’t know if out of nowhere maybe a bit out of nowhere. Um, and now being I mean, who knows? He could be a pretty good uh, again, very early. We’re not sure if he’s going to be a top six guy uh, throughout his whole career or anything like that, but he’s kind of, you know, guys like that come in and then it kind of pushes these other guys down and, you know, if you’re not, you get traded. Joe, you know, perfect example of that, right? Um, so yeah, Bergen, we’ll see if he’s going to stay or if he’s going to be moved in a deal that may be involving these next three guys that we’ll talk about here. Uh, and you know, Devin looked at these three, a lot of them. Uh, Chinoikov for sure has been in the trade rumors, you know, with the trade request and all that stuff in Columbus. Um, Liam Bitchell and Alex Lefrenier, which those two guys are a little interesting. I wasn’t really I Bisho kind of came out of nowhere because I don’t know if the Dallas Stars are going to be willing to trade him but uh what do you think about these three that Devon’s kind of identified looking at targets here? You look at Chinnikov and Lafrrener they’re kind of you look they’re kind of like a Berg and Rasmusson. They’re both guys that granted Lafrenir was number one in 2020. I mean he had great expectations for him. He just hasn’t been able to live up to that. I don’t know if it’s the Rangers organization. We all know how that works out with some of the prospects, but or if it’s just he I don’t know if he’s a player that can take over a lot be the top end guy. Just doesn’t seem like he can. But I mean, a change of scenery for him. Obviously, Chinnikov wants out of Columbus, but Mitchell, I don’t know. I don’t know. That would be that would be a really good trade to have. Yeah. Happen, but it would also cost you quite a bit, I’m sure, because he’s 21 years old. I mean, yeah. Put him in the back at the back end of your defense. I mean, you got you got him, Edmonson, Pelica, uh, Cider. I mean, you’re Yeah, you got four guys there that will be what, eight, not 10 years together in that lineup. I mean, it’d be be a good good thing to have in the lineup. But, yeah, that’s I like where Devin’s thinking with it, but maybe maybe he can get Jim Nil to work something with him. Who knows? Yeah. Right. Um, yeah. I mean, I I think Bitchel’s a pretty good uh I think he’s a big part of the the stars future on the blue line. So, I don’t know. I probably have to really entice Nil to to move him for sure. But, yeah, I like where his head is at, too, because I think he’d be a really good part of uh the defense. Uh, for sure. He’s he’s another big guy and really good skater for how big he is. So, yeah, I I’m and really physical, too. So, I I would be okay with him coming coming over for sure. All right. Uh to finish the show, I want to talk about prospects. It’s always good to, you know, early on in the season, but there are some really good big standouts. I want to get your top three. Uh not in the system or anything like that, but top three based on performance so far this season. Who’s really impressed you? So, I’m going to stick I’m gonna I’m not even going to stick with Grand Rapids. We all know Grand Rapids is off to a great start. Eight and No. We’re going to go guys that are college, juniors, wherever. So, I’ve got I’ve got who do we got? We’ve got Max Plant leads the NCAA in points right now at Minnesota Duth. He’s take I mean he he had a good year last year in his freshman season, but I mean he’s he’s already reached his goal total from last year. He’s he’s playing great allaround game. You look at it there’s I don’t think there’s a reason he shouldn’t be on the US world junior team making the way he plays it it’s it’s just all around great. And then you look at a pick from this year. You look at uh Brent Solomon, he made his he’s playing his first full year in the USL right now. He’s le tied tied for the league leading points. And I mean, he’s just he’s a big boy, too. He’s got what he’s nine nine and nine for 18 right now for fourth round pick. I mean, that’s he’s kind of come I don’t want to say come out of nowhere, but coming from high school to playing in the USL. I mean, that’s it’s a nice jump to make and produce again early early in the season, but so far it’s been looking really good. And then we’re going to stick with another 2025 pick. This one’s going to be Eddie Genborg over in the SHL. He’s got 13 points already. I mean, you look at the look at the comparisons number-wise. He’s right there with Anton Fondell. He’s got 13, too. third overall pick obviously early early season but uh I mean you look at it he’s he’s on pace to have more points than Raymond Casper MBN all those guys in their draft year plus one seasons I mean he’s on pace for what does it say here 38 points and is I mean that’s he’s a he’s a he’s another guy he kind of seems to be that type of player he does yeah does it all at both ends he’s he just they’re like the Swedes I mean yeah for So hopefully this one can work out too. I mean it’s worked out so far over the years. But so far, I mean, those are the three that have stood out to me. I mean, obviously we got you got Kosa and all those boys down in Grand Rapids. And I mean, they’re all I mean, all around the system’s looking good so far. So yeah, and I mean that’s what you know Eisermanman’s kind of that’s what he’s been trying to do over the last bunch of years is building that system up and some of it’s kind of is starting to uh come to fruition where you’re looking at guys like you know San Pelican now a big part of the team I and of course Lucas Raymond is now an established NHL player Cider you know you know Marco Casper I mean these all these Nate Daniels and they’re all kind of progressing and you’re going to get a lot of these guys are going to make up a core of the team in no time and uh it’s it’s looking really good and like you said the guys in uh college and outside of the AHL uh performing too. Yeah, it’s a big big part and that’s why they’re one of the top systems in the NHL right now. So, um yeah, and it just keeps going and you’re starting to see it. So that it’s a good it’s a good sign. Uh moving where the patience with fans is starting to finally I don’t want to say pay off, but it’s getting to that point where it’s like, okay, it it it’s working. Everybody wants to call it the plan is starting to come into full effect on what he’s trying to do. He’s not he straight up said it when he took over. He’s not going to cut corners. It’s going to take time. Yeah. Taking a little longer than everybody wanted to. Yeah. I mean it no team wants to team’s fan base wants to be struggling for going on what 10 years now and not making the playoffs. I mean yeah nobody wants to be in that position but you got to trust what your GM’s doing and what they got in got in place. We I mean he far from being a dumb person. Let’s let’s leave it at that. Yeah, it it’s looking good and we’ll see how the rest of the season goes for not just for the Red Wings for all these other prospects as we keep going here. But uh yeah, thanks Jordan for coming on and talking Red Wings as always. Uh we’ll be back next week and talk about whatever else is happening in how Red Wings land. Maybe some trades will happen. I don’t know. A lot of trades won’t happen, I don’t think. Now, um but it’s nice to talk about and we’ll see what what happens. But uh make sure to check out everything at the hogars.com. We’ve got all of our articles there. Make sure to check out the recaps, all the takeaways, all that fun stuff on all the videos on the YouTube channel and our uh Substack newsletter. If you haven’t subscribed, make sure you’re checking that out. But until our next one, we will see you next time.

In this edition of the Detroit Red Wings News & Rumors rundown, Matthew Zator and Jordan Orth discuss Devin Little’s recent trade chips and targets article, takeaways after 13 games, top three prospects so far this season, and more.

Check out Jordan’s writing – https://thehockeywriters.com/author/jorth/

Follow The Hockey Writers:
Substack – https://thehockeywriters.substack.com/
Twitter – https://twitter.com/TheHockeyWriter
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/thehockeywriters_
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/TheHockeyWriters/

Graphics by Vince Richard – https://www.behance.net/vincergraphics

#redwings #lgrw #nhlnews #nhl