The Detroit Red Wings have two goalie prospects in the system but could use a legit No. 1 starter for a year or two until they are ready.
The website PuckPedia’s PuckGM tool lets users create their own trades. One user proposed a deal that would see the Red Wings trading Alex DeBrincat to the Columbus Blue Jackets in an offseason move.
- Elvis Merzlikins
- 2025 first-round pick
- 2026 fifth-round pick
Blue Jackets acquire:
- Alex DeBrincat
- Noah Dower Nilsson (signing rights)
The proposed deal would be a blockbuster as Detroit would acquire a star goalie and two draft picks, including a first for a prospect and an All-Star forward.
The Red Wings would acquire Merzlikins, who could be Detroit’s No. 1 goalie next season. Merzlikins would have two years left on his five-year, $27 million deal, so the timing works for him to be the starter before Sebastian Cossa and Trey Augustine are ready to take over. Merzlikins has gone 23-19-5 with a 3.03 GAA and a .896 SV% this season.
In return, Columbus would acquire DeBrincat, who would add some much-needed offense to the Blue Jackets’ roster. The star forward is currently in the second year of a four-year, $31.5 million deal with Detroit. He would be a first-line forward for Columbus, as this season, he’s recorded 33 goals and 29 assists for 62 points.
The Blue Jackets would also acquire Dower Nilsson, who was a third-round pick in 2023. The prospect is playing in Sweden and has yet to sign his NHL contract.
Red Wings Unsure of Goalie Market in Offseason
Detroit doesn’t have a clear-cut No. 1 goalie but did trade for Petr Mrazek at the deadline.
Mrazek and Cam Talbot both have term left on their deals. Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman says they acquired Mrazek due to the fact they weren’t sure what goalies would be available this offseason.
