The Detroit Red Wings are battling for a playoff spot and one trade pitch has them acquiring a star defenseman from a rival to bolster its blue line.
The website PuckPedia‘s PuckGM tool lets users create their own trades. One user proposed a deal that would see the Red Wings acquiring Owen Power from the Buffalo Sabres.
Red Wings acquire:
Sabres acquire:
The proposed deal would be a blockbuster as Detroit would acquire a former first-overall pick for two draft picks and three NHL players.
Power was selected first overall in the 2021 NHL draft but he hasn’t been as good as many though. Power would bolster Detroit’s blue line as he would get a fresh start which could be needed for him. The former first-overall pick would be a top-four defenseman for the Red Wings and can add some offense. Power has skated in 54 games recording 8 goals and 23 assists for 29 points, while he’s in the first year of a seven-year $58.45 million deal.
The big part of the return for Buffalo would be the draft picks, as well as Wallinder. Wallinder was selected in the second round of the 2020 NHL draft. The 22-year-old is a big-body defenseman who could replace Power
Chiarot, meanwhile, is an NHL defenseman who’s in the third year of a four-year $19 million deal. He could be on the Sabres blue line, or be a trade chip to acquire more draft picks or prospects.
Rasmussen, meanwhile, is a former ninth-overall pick who could be a bottom-six forward for Buffalo. He’s in the first year of a four-year $12.8 million deal. He’s recorded 8 goals and 7 assists in 54 games this season.
Insider Wouldn’t be Surprised if Power Was Traded
Despite Buffalo drafting Power and recently signing him to a lengthy contract extension, his name has come up in trade rumors.
NHL insider Jeff Marek went on Sekers and Price and said he wouldn’t be surprised if Buffalo traded Power.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if we see something happen (trade-wise) with Owen Power,” Marek said on January 31.