Proposed Trade Suggests Red Wings Acquire $23.5 Million Defenseman…
The Detroit Red Wings are on the cusp of being a playoff team, and a proposed trade could strengthen their defense.
A fan used PuckPedia’s PuckGM tool to suggest a trade where the Red Wings would acquire Neal Pionk from the Winnipeg Jets.
Proposed Trade:
– Red Wings receive: Neal Pionk (with $1.9 million salary retained by Winnipeg)
-Jets receive: A 2026 second-round pick and a 2025 fifth-round pick
This trade would solidify the Red Wings’ defense while giving the Jets valuable draft picks, as Winnipeg is expected to enter a rebuilding phase.
Pionk, who is 29 years old, is in the final year of his four-year, $23.5 million contract with Winnipeg. He would likely serve as a second-pairing right-shot defenseman for Detroit. Last season, Pionk played in 82 games, tallying 5 goals and 28 assists for a total of 33 points. Over his NHL career, he has played 467 games, accumulating 34 goals and 183 assists for 217 points.
For the Jets, the two draft picks could either aid in their rebuild or be traded for another player. Winnipeg also has young defensemen Ville Heinola and Elias Salomonsson pushing for NHL opportunities, and trading Pionk could provide them with the chance to step up to the NHL level.
Red Wings Aiming for Playoff Contention
The Detroit Red Wings have missed the playoffs since the 2015-16 season, but general manager Steve Yzerman is optimistic that this year will be different.
Detroit made significant moves in the offseason, signing Vladimir Tarasenko, Tyler Motte, and Cam Talbot, and re-signing forward Patrick Kane. These veteran additions are expected to support the team’s young core, with Yzerman believing the Red Wings have a shot at making the playoffs next season.
“I think we’re among those teams that have a chance to compete for the playoffs,” Yzerman stated. “If we stay healthy, get strong goaltending, and have players exceed expectations, we might make it. But it could also come down to the last game of the season. There’s a fine line. Compared to last year, this roster might be a slightly better fit in terms of player roles.”
However, Detroit still needs to re-sign key restricted free agents, forward Lucas Raymond and defenseman Moritz Seider. If those contracts are finalized, Yzerman is confident the team can gain valuable playoff experience this season.
“Our long-term plan is to build a core of young players who can consistently make the playoffs and eventually win,” Yzerman said. “We’re gradually moving forward, surrounding these young players with strong veterans to help them develop and improve.”
According to PuckPedia, Detroit has over $17 million in cap space available.
Jets GM Enthusiastic About Brayden Yager Acquisition
One of the biggest trades this NHL offseason involved the Winnipeg Jets sending top prospect Rutger McGroarty to the Pittsburgh Penguins in exchange for prospect Brayden Yager.
Prospect-for-prospect trades are rare, but McGroarty requested a trade, and Jets general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff is pleased with the return.
“I believe Brayden is a great fit for our organization,” Cheveldayoff said on August 22. “He’s a key player on a young team that went deep in the playoffs last year and has World Junior experience. We’re excited to have him and look forward to seeing him in action soon.”
Yager was the 14th overall pick in the 2023 NHL Draft. Last season in the WHL, he recorded 35 goals and 60 assists for 95 points in 57 games.
The Winnipeg Jets will kick off their 2024-25 NHL season on the road on October 9 against the Edmonton Oilers.
