Are the Red Wings Leveraging Two Top Sellers in Blockbuster Deal?

The Detroit Red Wings are having a solid season and are in the playoff mix. As such, many believe it’s time for GM Steve Yzerman to finally push his chips and make a play to improve the roster. It makes sense then that the Red Wings are being linked to the two biggest names at center available at this season’s NHL trade deadline — Robert Thomas and Vincent Trocheck.

Yzerman is reportedly looking for a strong No. 2 center (someone who can produce offense and win faceoffs). He’s identified Thomas and Trocheck as his two best options, even though the price will be steep.

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NHL insider Elliotte Friedman was on NHL on TNT and said, “I think there have been a lot of teams that have poked around on Vincent Trocheck.” Friedman added that Trocheck has made it clear he’d like to stay in the East. Carolina and Detroit are in the mix, while the Minnesota Wild have a standing offer for him.

Related: Who Flinches First?: Wild Have Standing Trade Offer for Trocheck

Trocheck was the runner-up when he originally signed with the Rangers. Detroit almost got him a few years ago when he was picking teams, so they’ve liked him forever. He has some say in where he goes because of his contract rules. The Rangers want a lot for him (high price), but Detroit is right in the mix.

Thomas is younger (26), super-skilled, and drives offense. The St. Louis Blues are having a tough year and might sell. Thomas has a full no-trade clause, but Friedman thinks there’s a real chance he gets traded if the right team comes along. Detroit is believed to be one of the teams chasing him (along with Utah). Thomas would be a huge upgrade for Detroit’s middle lines.

Friedman said there were rumors that the Montreal Canadiens were kicking the tires on Thomas, but he’s not convinced.

Why Are The Red Wings Chasing Both So Hard?

The Red Wings need more help at center to make the lines stronger and score more in big games. Both Thomas and Trocheck would fit what they’re looking for. It will cost the Red Wings high picks and prospects, but Yzerman might be ready to pull the trigger on something if he believes either is keen to join his roster.

The Red Wings have good young players, draft picks, and cap space to make a big trade happen. It would serve the Blues and Rangers well to listen to any offers coming out of Detroit.

Friedman saying Detroit is “believed in” on both means the rumors are strong and real and that Yzerman might be playing the two players and their respective franchises against each other to bring the price down.

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