Detroit Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman is preparing for the NHL Draft, and has reportedly been kicking the tires on a deal for Winnipeg Jets defenseman and Michigan native Jacob Trouba.
However, another opportunity to acquire talent on the blue line just became available.
Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Nikita Zaitsev has requested a trade out of Toronto; should Yzerman give him a look?
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His right-handed shot and ability to play 20-plus minutes a night would be attractive. However, his $4.5 million cap hit could potentially scare off a team that is already strapped by the cap.
The team is still awaiting the decision of defenseman Niklas Kronwall, who at 38, is contemplating retirement or returning for a final season. The team could also consider buyouts of Jonathan Ericsson and or Danny DeKeyser, who were signed to long-term and high money contracts by former general manager Ken Holland, now the GM of the Edmonton Oilers.
Mike Green and Trevor Daley are under contract for another season, though one or both could be trade candidates as next season’s trade deadline approaches. Let’s also not forget the emergence of defenseman Filip Hronek and the potential of Dennis Cholowski, as well as the recently signed Oliwer Kaski.
Whatever happens, Yzerman has a busy summer ahead of him!
