The Detroit Red Wings don’t have a clear-cut No. 1 goaltender and that could be something Detroit looks like to acquire in the offseason.
The website PuckPedia’s PuckGM tool lets users create their own trades. One user proposed a deal that would see the Red Wings acquiring Thatcher Demko in a three-player blockbuster with the Vancouver Canucks which would happen in the offseason.
Red Wings acquire:
Canucks acquire:
- Michael Rasmussen
- 2027 third-round pick
The proposed deal does make sense for both teams as Detroit gets a star goalie and an NHL forward. Vancouver, meanwhile, gets a young NHL forward and a draft pick, but more importantly gets off of Demko’s salary.
Demko is in the fourth year of his five-year $25 million deal, so Detroit would only have him for one season. Demko has dealt with injuries this season, but when he is healthy he is a bonafide No. 1 goalie. The American is a two-time All-Star and has gone 6-6-3 with a 2.87 GAA and a .891 SV% this season.
The Red Wings would also acquire Chytil who has two years left on his deal, after this season. The former first-round pick could be a middle-six for Detroit. Chytil has recorded 13 goals and 13 assists for 26 points in 56 games.
In return, Detroit would trade a third-round draft pick as well as Rasmussen. Rasmussen is a cheaper replacement for Chytil. He’s in the first year of a four-year $12.8 million deal. Rasmussen has recorded 10 goals and 7 assists for 17 points in 63 games.
