In a recent article for the Toronto Sun, Nick Kypreos wrote that hockey fans should “keep an eye on the Detroit Red Wings” if the Vancouver Canucks shop Bo Horvat at this year’s trade deadline (from ‘Leafs are more than halfway through the John Tavares contract. Was it worth it?’, Toronto Star, 10/27/22). Kypreos noted that the undetermined future of Dylan Larkin in Detroit is the reason behind it, as the Red Wings captain is seeking a deal similar to Mathew Barzal’s eight-year, $73.2 million contract. It’s certainly an intriguing prospect to think about it, but even if they can ink Larkin to an extension before the deadline, I believe that the Red Wings general manager (GM) Steve Yzerman should make a push for Horvat as well.
If an extension with Horvat can be in place following the hypothetical blockbuster, Detroit would sport one of the best one-two punches down the middle in the sport. Furthermore, they have cap wiggle room to make this come to fruition both in the present and future. Keep in mind, several of their most expensive veterans are only signed for one or two more seasons. However, acquiring Horvat would cost a lot, as he is a legitimate top-six center who is lighting up the league right now (10 goals and 13 points in 11 games). If an extension is finalized, I believe a first-round pick (top-10 protected), two notable prospects, and a young NHL-caliber forward would be needed to allow a deal to occur. Let’s look at who the Red Wings could part ways with to help this massive trade come to fruition.
Filip Zadina
When the Red Wings selected Filip Zadina with the sixth-overall pick of the 2018 NHL Entry Draft, they believed they were getting a potential star winger. However, at the time of this writing, he has not taken that next step and is noticeably struggling in 2022-23. After recording a 24-point campaign in 74 games last season with the team, he has zero points and a minus-3 rating in eight contests. It’s certainly been an underwhelming start to the season, and it makes me wonder if the Red Wings would be willing to trade him given their strong depth at left wing.
When the Red Wings selected Filip Zadina with the sixth-overall pick of the 2018 NHL Entry Draft, they believed they were getting a potential star winger. However, at the time of this writing, he has not taken that next step and is noticeably struggling in 2022-23. After recording a 24-point campaign in 74 games last season with the team, he has zero points and a minus-3 rating in eight contests. It’s certainly been an underwhelming start to the season, and it makes me wonder if the Red Wings would be willing to trade him given their strong depth at left wing.