Photo credit: Sergei Belski-Imagn Images
Steve Yzerman and the Detroit Red Wings acquire a Calgary Flames defenseman in this latest trade proposal.
It appears evident that after missing out on the playoffs by only six points last season, and given their current position in the standings, Steve Yzerman mustn’t be thinking about bringing in prospects or draft picks to the team anymore.
With nearly $60M in cap space available at the deadline, three first-round picks in the next three years, and an already full prospect pool, the Wings have all it takes to make massive moves on the market after the Olympics.
However, if he plans to make a big acquisition, he could be tempted to look at cheaper options to fill other holes in the lineup.
Such a proposal emerged in a new report.
Red Wings Acquire Flames Defenseman In New Trade Proposal
Indeed, the latest scenario suggests the Wings could ship a 2026 second-round pick and a 2027 fourth-round pick to the Calgary Flames for Zach Whitecloud.
The 29-year-old, six-foot-two defenseman has already been traded once this season, in the deal that sent Rasmus Andersson to the Vegas Golden Knights.
In eight games since the trade went down, Whitecloud tallied three points and has a +1 rating.
He has two more years on his $2,750,000 AAV contract signed in 2021, meaning the Wings would still have a lot of cap space available.
The 2022–23 Stanley Cup champion would bring great defensive depth, experience, and leadership to the Wings in their push to return to the playoffs.
And at that price, Yzerman has no choice but to consider it.
Previously on Detroit Hockey Insider
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Detroit Red Wings acquire Calgary Flames defenseman in latest trade proposal
Do you think Steve Yzerman should target Zach Whitecloud on the trade market?