Red Wings & Jets Could Complete Big 2023 Offseason Trade

The Hockey Writers

The Detroit Red Wings’ 2022-23 season was full of mixed results, and general manager (GM) Steve Yzerman could have a busy offseason because of it. One specific area that we could see the Hockey Hall of Famer focus on is the goaltender position. The Alex Nedeljkovic experiment proved to be a bust, and now Detroit is likely to let him walk straight into free agency because of it. Meanwhile, Ville Husso struggled to find consistency in 2022-23, as he sported a 26-22-7 record, a 3.11 goals-against average (GAA), and an .896 save percentage (SV%). Thus, the Red Wings are in a position to add another goalie.


Explore everything hockey with THW’s Hockeypedia pages.

The Hockey Writers HockeyPedia 800x120

In a recent article for Sportsnet, Ryan Dixon listed the Red Wings as a potential trade destination for star goalie Connor Hellebuyck. When noting that the Red Wings are looking to take that next step in 2023-24, this is an avenue that should be considered. Let’s dive into why.

Hellebuyck Would Provide Red Wings With Star Goalie

As stated above, the Red Wings have had some serious trouble finding stability in the net over the last few years. Adding a high-impact netminder like Hellebuyck would help change things on that front. The 29-year-old has cemented himself as one of the top goalies in the NHL, and he was one of the major reasons why the Jets snuck into the postseason this year. In 64 appearances, the 2012 fifth-round pick put together a 37-25-2 record, 2.49 GAA, and .920 SV%.

Connor Hellebuyck Winnipeg Jets
Connor Hellebuyck, Winnipeg Jets (Jess Starr/The Hockey Writers)

Adding a goalie of Hellebuyck’s ability could be the jolt that the Red Wings need to end their seven-year postseason drought in 2023-24. It is clear that Detroit’s roster is improving, but if they want to take that next step, they need to find consistency in goal. When noting that Hellebuyck has continued to be one of the league’s best goalies for several years now, he would be the answer for the Red Wings’ long-term goalie troubles.

Hellebuyck Could Be Convinced to Stay in Detroit

Perhaps the primary risk in bringing in Hellebuyck is that he is entering the final season of his current contract. The former Vezina Trophy winner has also made it known that he does not want to be a part of a rebuild. However, when noting that the Red Wings are on the rise, I’d argue that a Hellebuyck trade would take them completely out of the rebuilding territory.


Latest News & Highlights


It is also important to note that Hellebuyck is a Michigan native. Therefore, it is not too far-fetched to believe that he would be willing to stay in Detroit long-term if acquired. Keep in mind, they are forming an excellent core centering around Dylan Larkin, Lucas Raymond, and Moritz Seider. With that, they possess one of the strongest prospect pools in the NHL, so they should only improve from here. Furthermore, former Jets teammates Andrew Copp and Ben Chiarot are also in Detroit. With all of this, it is clear that there are more reasons than one that could convince Hellebuyck to sign an extension.

Potential Trade Package to Acquire Hellebuyck

When noting that Hellebuyck is one of the best goalies in the sport, it will take a pretty sizeable offer to successfully acquire him. The Jets would likely expect a first-round pick, a second-round pick, and two notable prospects. When it comes to prospects, fellow netminder Sebastian Cossa and forward Cross Hanas could head to Winnipeg.

Sebastian Cossa Detroit Red Wings
Sebastian Cossa, Detroit Red Wings (Photo by Melissa Tamez/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Cossa was selected by Detroit with the 15th overall pick of the 2021 NHL Entry Draft. The 20-year-old spent the majority of this season with the Toledo Walleye of the ECHL, where he put together a 26-16-4 record and .913 SV% in 46 games. He is expected to become a starting netminder later down the road but will need a few more years to develop before that comes to fruition.

Related: Red Wings: 3 Potential Free-Agent Destinations for Pius Suter

Hanas, on the other hand, is viewed as potentially becoming a second-line forward in the future. In his first professional season with the Grand Rapids Griffins of the American Hockey League (AHL), the 21-year-old had nine goals to go along with 17 points in 30 games played.

It is clear that the Red Wings have an excellent trade target in Hellebuyck, and it is a move that Yzerman should seriously consider. He would become a clear answer in the net for the Red Wings and would make their roster look significantly better on paper because of it. Let’s see if they can bring the hometown kid to Detroit this summer.

Articles You May Like

Red Wings’ Coaching Comes Into Question During Playoff Push
SSOTD: Predators vs. Red Wings, 3/23/2024
NHL Rumors: Oilers, Maple Leafs, Canucks, Red Wings
Grading Steve Yzerman’s Free Agent Signings as Red Wings GM
Red Wings Have a Star in the Making With Lucas Raymond

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *