3 Trade Deadline Candidates for the Detroit Red Wings this Season

The Detroit Red Wings are one of the many teams joining in on the Eastern Conference wild-card race. With a record of 22-21-5, the Red Wings sit four points behind a playoff spot. Detroit has many core pieces in the making, and if they hope to make a push for their postseason in nearly nine years, players will need to be traded. Here are the three names that stick out as potential trade candidates in Detroit.

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Veleno Needs More Support; A Trade Could Help

Joe Veleno, 25, came into Detroit as a very promising prospect. His versatile style of play has made him a reliable two-way forward for Detroit. Veleno’s commitment to Detroit isn’t mutual, however. Even though he sees decent ice time, he isn’t paired with any real stars per se.

Coming into the league, Veleno was noted as an offensive force, as shown by his performance in the AHL. On the Grand Rapids Griffins in the 2019-20 season, Veleno recorded 23 points (11 goals and 12 assists) in 59 games as a rookie. When given all-star linemates, Veleno can produce. With a cap hit of $2.275, Detroit could move on from a failed development in Veleno and find someone cheaper of his caliber.

Trading Holl Could Mean More Opportunities for Prospects

Justin Holl, 32, is locked up for another season after this year. With a cap hit of $3.4 million, Detroit may want to move away from Holl to clear up cap space for more significant deadline or offseason moves. Holl has five points (1g, 4a) in 40 games, notching a plus/minus of -5. Regarded for his stay-at-home playstyle, Holl is a presence in the defensive zone.

Despite his important role, Holl is not in much need anymore by Detroit. The Red Wings already have better players developing in the AHL, such as top-end defensive prospect Axel Sandin-Pellikka. By the time Holl’s contract expires, Sandin-Pellikka will only have one more year until he needs an extension. If Detroit can trade away Holl, it will give the organization time to see what the rookie can do in the major league.

Talbot Age is Catching Up to Him Quicker Than Expected

Cam Talbot, 37, may be slowing down Detroit’s attempts at reaching the playoffs. In his game against the Tampa Bay Lightning late last week, Talbot allowed five goals on 16 shot attempts. He finished the game with a 0.688 save percentage and handed Detroit their second loss of the week.

Talbot is also in the same situation as Holl, as he will soon be replaced by a much younger version of himself. Goaltender prospect Sebastian Cossa has been a stud in the minors, recording a 0.917 SV% and a 2.31 GAA. Cossa’s contract ends the same year Talbot’s contract expires. If Detroit were to ship off Talbot for a shorter-term contract, it would both benefit the team currently and in the long-run.

Next: Could Saros Find His Name on the Predators’ Trading Block?