The Free Press’s Helene St. James spoke with Red Wings GM Ken Holland to help gauge the Wings’ trade deadline plans:
“I’m looking to the future,” general manager Ken Holland said Monday. “I’m working the phones to see what’s out there that makes sense for us.”
The Wings are rebuilding, and want to acquire early-round draft picks and higher-end prospects. Mike Green is expected to be moved, as there is interest in the offensive defenseman. He hurt his neck Thursday at Tampa, but is expected to play Tuesday when the Wings host Nashville.
Goaltender Petr Mrazek is on the market. The Wings had conversations with Philadelphia about Mrazek in mid-February, and are talking again this week since the Flyers lost goaltender Michal Neuvirth on Sunday (on top of being without No. 1 Brian Elliott for about five weeks).
Mrazek has had a turbulent season (8-7-3 in 22 games with a 2.89 goals-against average and .910 save percentage) but he has played better of late (2.01 goals-against average and .939 save percentage his past two games). He also appeals because he’s a pending restricted free agent.Forward Gustav Nyquist could appeal to a team that needs scoring (such as Nashville). Nyquist has one year left on a contract with a $4.75 million cap hit. Both Green and Nyquist would have to approve a move, as they have no-trade clauses.
FYI:
The Wings could make more moves around the June draft. They aren’t likely to make any signings other than possibly someone inexpensive, like Thomas Vanek.
This sounds like the organization will truly be status quo for the foreseeable future, that includes keeping Holland as gm. Stability is a great thing in an organization but the Wings need a shake up before next season.