The Detroit Red Wings are looking to make a bold move ahead of the March 6 NHL trade deadline.
Detroit is holding onto a playoff spot and looking to end its playoff drought. The Red Wings have been linked to adding a defenseman ahead of the deadline, but the team is also interested in making a blockbuster.
NHL insider Bruce Garrioch of The Ottawa Citizen reported that the Red Wings are aggressively pursuing Elias Pettersson from the Vancouver Canucks.
“Keep an eye on Vancouver Canucks forward Elias Pettersson,” Garrioch wrote. “He has six years left on his contract at $11.6 million per season and a full no-move clause (NMC), but that hasn’t stopped teams from calling to see if he’s available. We’re told the Detroit Red Wings have been aggressive in their pursuit of the 27-year-old Pettersson, who could use a change of scenery.
“The Red Wings are concerned about their depth in the middle behind captain Dylan Larkin and Pettersson would bring much-needed skill. Detroit GM Steve Yzerman has the assets to meet the Canucks’ asking price.”
A Pettersson trade would be a blockbuster, and the Red Wings are reportedly showing the most interest in him.
Pettersson has skated in 51 games, recording 13 goals and 22 assists for 35 points this season.
Canucks Open to Trading Pettersson
Vancouver is likely to enter a rebuild, and Pettersson’s name has come up in trade rumors.
However, ahead of the trade deadline on Friday, NHL insider Elliotte Friedman said it is quiet on the Pettersson front.
“I’ve looked around. I think it’s quiet around him, right now,” Friedman said on Saturday Headlines. “But the one thing I have heard about Pettersson is that the Canucks are not interested in retaining on him. I think they’ve been asked, and I’ve heard that’s not what they’re willing to do.”
Petterson is in the second year of his eight-year, $92 million deal with the Canucks. So, Pettersson being moved would be a massive deal, but a change of scenery could be needed as the past two years haven’t been good for the Swede.
Red Wings Looking to be Active Ahead of Deadline
Detroit is expected to add to its roster ahead of the trade deadline.
The Red Wings have been linked to Tyler Myers, although the veteran defenseman may not waive his no-trade clause. Yet, the team is expected to pursue help on the blue line if the Red Wings do make a move.
“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 may have to shift plans as Myers reportedly doesn’t want to go to Detroit.
“At this point in time, that’s not necessarily a place that Myers is looking to go. He’s inclined to wait to see if perhaps some other teams step up,” Johnston said on Insider Trading on Feb. 26.
The Red Wings are 34-20-6.
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