Trade Proposal Could Land Red Wings Star $76 Million Defenseman…
The Detroit Red Wings, eager to break their playoff drought, have been linked to a trade suggestion involving a top-tier defenseman.
Using PuckPedia’s PuckGM tool, a fan proposed a blockbuster trade: the Red Wings would acquire defenseman Seth Jones from the Chicago Blackhawks.
Red Wings would receive:
– Seth Jones
Blackhawks would receive:
– JT Compher
– Justin Holl
– 2025 third-round pick (Boston’s)
This trade would benefit both teams, allowing each to move away from less favorable contracts. Jones, now in the third year of his eight-year, $76 million deal, has struggled to justify the hefty contract but remains a reliable defenseman. He could serve as a first- or second-pairing defenseman for Detroit. Last season with Chicago, the five-time All-Star tallied 8 goals and 23 assists (31 points) in 67 games.
Detroit would part with a third-round pick and two players. Compher, a winger, could fit into Chicago’s bottom-six forward group. He’s entering the second year of a five-year, $25.5 million contract, and last season recorded 19 goals and 29 assists for 48 points in 77 games. Holl, intended to strengthen Detroit’s blue line, struggled to stay in the lineup and has two years left on his three-year, $10.2 million contract.
Red Wings GM Focused on Defense
Ahead of the 2024-25 season, Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman has emphasized improving the team’s defense. Detroit has already added key players during the offseason, including forward Vladimir Tarasenko, goaltender Cam Talbot, and defenseman Erik Gustafsson.
“We need to be a better defensive hockey club from top to bottom,” Yzerman stated on September 17. He noted that while special teams improved last season, Detroit allowed too many goals to make the playoffs. The Red Wings ended the previous season with a 41-32-9 record, just missing the playoffs.
Yzerman also stressed the importance of progress both as a team and among the younger players, saying, “As long as we’re moving in the right direction, I think it’s positive.”
Detroit has not qualified for the playoffs since the 2015-16 season.
Blackhawks Name Nick Foligno Captain
Meanwhile, the Chicago Blackhawks have named forward Nick Foligno as the 35th captain in franchise history ahead of the 2024-25 season. GM Kyle Davidson announced the news, noting Foligno’s leadership qualities.
Seth Jones praised the decision, saying, “He’s the perfect man for the job… a great leader both on and off the ice, and a strong communicator who bridges the gap between coaches and players.”
Chicago begins its 2024-25 season on October 8 against the Utah Hockey Club.
