Photo credit: Sergei Belski-Imagn Images
The Detroit Red Wings will have to put up a good fight for one Calgary Flames defenseman, as they’re reportedly in the running for the blueliner alongside the Ottawa Senators.
The Olympic roster freeze ends after February 22nd, and the Detroit Red Wings are getting their ducks in a row.
They need to improve their lineup in some way, and trades are a surefire bet to do so, quicker than drafting & developing.
Though their prospect pipeline is one of the best in the league, they need talent to help win now. Even if their trade for Rasmus Andersson fell through, there’s other top-four talent in Calgary left.
Including MacKenzie Weegar, who arrived in the Pacific Division via trade with the Florida Panthers in 2022.
The Detroit Red Wings have been linked to MacKenzie Weegar after having contacted the Calgary Flames
NHL Insider Bruce Garrioch, who covers the Ottawa Senators, said that it’s a possibility the defenseman is dealt before the trade deadline.
“He’s underrated,” said an NHL executive as per Garrioach. “He plays high minutes, competes hard and he plays in every situation. I know they traded him from Florida to get [Matthew] Tkachuk, but Weegar was playing with [Aaron] Ekblad.”
The two divisional rivals look poised to enter a bidding-war for Weegar if interest intensifies, as Garrioch has named the Red Wings as the other party involved in trying to acquire the veteran.
“In fact, according to Garrioch, the Red Wings may have already engaged in talks with the Flames, although they will have to wait until after the 22nd to make anything official.”
This season in 56 games, Weegar has scored 20 points (3-17), 67 penalty minutes, 129 blocks, and 127 hits.
A solid two-way defender’s stat line.
Is MacKenzie Weegar the next NHL player to be traded after the Olympic roster freeze ends?
Previously on Detroit Hockey Insider
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Senators and Red Wings reportedly both trying to trade for the same Flames defenseman
With the Detroit Red Wings and Ottawa Senators reportedly trying to trade for defenseman MacKenzie Weegar of the Calgary Flames, who wins?