The Detroit Red Wings are looking to bolster their blue line ahead of the NHL trade deadline.
Detroit is holding onto a playoff spot, and the Red Wings are looking to end their playoff drought. Ahead of the NHL trade deadline on March 6, Detroit has multiple needs, including at defense.
NHL insider Nick Kypreos of Sportsnet believes the Red Wings are pursuing Mackenzie Weegar from the Calgary Flames. But Detroit could be battling with division rival Ottawa Senators to land Weegar.
“Still, MacKenzie Weegar is a very interesting name to watch here,” Kypreos wrote. “With right-handed defencemen in such high demand, teams are calling about him. Weegar has five years left on a contract paying $6.25 million against the cap, but he has a no-trade clause until after next season, when it changes to a 10-team no-trade list.
“Again, the Red Wings come up here as a possible landing spot, as they would very much like to try and shore up their top four. The Ottawa Senators are also interested in a right-handed defenceman and would hate to see Weegar go to an Atlantic Division competitor.”
Weegar is in the third year of his eight-year, $50 million deal with the Flames. Given that the star defenseman has multiple years left of control, the price to acquire him would be high.
However, Weegar would immediately become a top-four defenseman for the Red Wings. So, perhaps
Weegar Sought-After Before Deadline
The Flames are expected to be one of the top sellers this offseason.
Calgary could move the likes of Weegar, Nazem Kadri, and Zach Whitecloud, among others. Kypreos believes Weegar will be sought after and could very well be moved ahead of the March 6 deadline.
“Top four defensemen are in high demand, and Weegar is attractive to many teams,” Kypreos added. “The Flames may not have planned on trading Weegar this season, but with the position they’re in and the calls they’ll get, they will have to consider it
“Calgary likes Weegar, but he’s going to turn 33 years old next season, so does he really fit into the window when the Flames will be competitive again? They have a ways to go here. Much like Kadri, the Flames have to ask themselves a tough question: when’s a good time to unload?”
Weegar has skated in 56 games, recording 3 goals and 17 assists for 20 points.
Red Wings Trade Deadline Plans Revealed
Detroit didn’t make any trades last year at the deadline, which frustrated captain Dylan Larkin.
Yet, entering the March 6 trade deadline, Detroit is already aggressive in search of a top-four defenseman, according to NHL insider David Pagnotta.
“The Detroit Red Wings are among the teams scouring the trade market for help on the blueline and are hoping to acquire a top-four defenseman, preferably with a right shot by the trade deadline,” Pagnotta wrote. “Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman has been exploring his options, according to multiple league sources. Though it is unclear if he has made traction towards a deal.
“The Red Wings reportedly expressed interest in Rasmus Andersson earlier in the season before the Calgary Flames traded him to the Vegas Golden Knights. Detroit has also been linked to Philadelphia Flyers rearguard Rasmus Ristolainen. Detroit has over $45 million in salary cap space. And is not restricted by the cap to add to its roster before deadline day.”
Detroit is 33-19-6 and holding onto a Wild Card spot.
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