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Two overpaid Detroit Red Wings forwards could be the next to be trade candidates, according to one NHL insider.
With a record of 13-9-1, the Detroit Red Wings are 2nd in the Atlantic Division.
If they ended up competing in April, it’d be good for the team to clear cap space and find spots for new players or prospects.
According to NHL Insider David Pagnotta of the Fourth Period, if they fall out of playoff contention and into bubble territory, they could trade both veteran forwards.
David Pagnotta said, “If this is where the team is going to be…a wildcard bubble team…the more we’re going to hear of guys like JT Compher and Andrew Copp in terms of the trade market.”
The Detroit Red Wings could trade overpaid forwards JT Compher and Andrew Copp
Both Andrew Copp and JT Compher have been rewarded with nice contracts, which they’ve played themselves out of.
Copp makes $5.625 million AAV (average annual value) and will expire at the conclusion of the 2026-27 season.
While former 50-point forward JT Compher makes a similar $5.1 million AAV, and expires in 2027-28.
Both players pay on the 2nd penalty kill unit, but in terms of production, they are overpaid compared to what they deliver to the Red Wings.
With the significant cap hit left on each contract, Steve Yzerman might have to consider retaining some salary in order to make a trade happen.
Both players have 10-team no-trade clauses attached, which might make a move a little slower, but this could end up being an addition by subtraction.
Compher has scored 9 points (3-6) in 22 games, while Copp has scored 9 points (1-8) in 23.
It all depends on how the situation in Detroit evolves; if it becomes beneficial, they become trade chips , and the Red Wings could explore it.
Previously on Red Wings Insider
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Two ‘overpaid’ Red Wings players named trade candidates by insider
Do you think the Detroit Red Wings will trade forward JT Compher or forward Andrew Copp?