The Detroit Red Wings are on the cusp of making the playoffs, and a proposed trade could strengthen their defense. According to the PuckGM tool on PuckPedia, a user has suggested a trade that would bring Neal Pionk from the Winnipeg Jets to the Red Wings.
Red Wings acquire:
Neal Pionk ($1.9 million retained)
Jets acquire:
- 2026 second-round pick
- 2025 fifth-round pick
The trade proposal would enhance the Red Wings’ defense while providing the Winnipeg Jets with two draft picks, as they are expected to enter a rebuilding phase soon. Neal Pionk, who is in the final year of his four-year, $23.5 million contract, could serve as Detroit’s second-pairing right-shot defenseman. Last season, Pionk played all 82 games for the Jets, scoring 5 goals and adding 28 assists for 33 points. Over his NHL career, he has appeared in 467 games, recording 34 goals and 183 assists for 217 points.
For the Jets, the two draft picks could support their rebuilding efforts or be used to acquire another player. Additionally, with defense prospects like Ville Heinola and Elias Salomonsson pushing for NHL roles, trading Pionk would create space for one of these prospects to make the jump to the big league.
Red Wings Hoping to Compete for Playoff Spot
The Detroit Red Wings have been out of the playoffs since the 2015-16 season, but general manager Steve Yzerman is optimistic about a turnaround this year.
Detroit has bolstered their roster by signing veterans Vladimir Tarasenko, Tyler Motte, and Cam Talbot, and re-signing forward Patrick Kane. Yzerman believes these additions will complement the young core and improve the team’s chances of making the playoffs.
“I think we’re in the mix with teams that have a shot at the playoffs,” Yzerman stated. “If we stay healthy, get good goaltending, and have some players exceed expectations, we could make it. Alternatively, we might just miss out by a point on the last game of the season. The difference is minimal. Looking at this year’s roster compared to last year’s, it seems to fit better in terms of player roles.”
However, Detroit still needs to re-sign restricted free agents Lucas Raymond and Moritz Seider. If those contracts are finalized, Yzerman is confident that the team can gain valuable playoff experience this season.
“Our goal is to build a core of young players who can grow together, make the playoffs, and eventually win,” Yzerman explained. “We’re committed to that long-term plan and are focused on surrounding these young players with experienced, skilled teammates to help them develop and improve.”
According to PuckPedia, Detroit currently has just over $17 million in cap space.
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