The Hockey News’s Caleb Kearney suggests that the Red Wings might trade one or more of four players at or before the March 7th trade deadline–as in Vladimir Tarasenko, Ville Husso, Alex Lyon and/or Patrick Kane.
I’m not buying the logic of “selling off” Lyon or Kane with the team battling for a playoff spot as of March 7th–hell, if the Wings have fallen out of the race by then, still “no”–but Tarasenko and Husso, I could see the Wings move.
But Lyon? Kane? Definitely not. You don’t trade your #1B goalie, though Kearney suggests that both of the Red Wings’ goaltenders should be on the trading block…
Alex Lyon
Alex Lyon has a very appealing contract. The netminder is in the final year of a deal costing the Red Wings $900,000.
His price tag and good performance will make him appealing to contenders looking to fortify their goalie position down the stretch. Because of that, the Red Wings could get a pretty penny for him.
However, he is younger than Cam Talbot, so the Red Wings could pull a switcheroo and try to trade him instead. With his past relationship to Todd McLellan and performance this season, it’s tough to see them going this route.
Pass…Even if Lyon doesn’t return because the Wings choose to bring Sebastian Cossa up, he’s too reliable–and relied upon–to be ditched for the final 27 games of an incredibly crowded “stretch run” schedule.
Here’s his take on Kane:
Patrick Kane
Patrick Kane has been revived since the coaching change. The veteran winger didn’t need new linemates, just a new boss calling the shots.
That being said, he’s on an expiring contract and performing well. If the return makes sense for the Red Wings, he could be traded to a contending team.
He’s already received one of four bonuses tied to his contract. His $1.5 million bonus was paid out after he played 10 games. He has another $1 million in bonuses remaining, two of which are tied to the playoffs.
While Kane may stay with the Red Wings, his leaving to win a cup somewhere else should not be ruled out.
Continued; also pass here. Kane’s both still an assist and shootout machine, and he’s sorted out his injury issues, so he’s at 100% going into a condensed schedule. Why shed him simply because he’d fetch a 2nd round pick and a middling prospect? And why get rid of his leadership?
I just don’t get either of these scenarios.
