yardbarker
The ongoing contract impasse between the Detroit Red Wings and defenseman Simon Edvinsson has forced the organization to consider alternative paths, including a potential trade. While the ideal resolution remains a long-term extension, the latest reports indicating Edvinsson's camp is seeking a deal north of $12 million per season have prompted discussions about what a trade might yield. Many supporters attribute the hefty ask to the so-called 'stupid tax' incurred by the Red Wings' prolonged negotiation process, but that does not automatically elevate Edvinsson's value above that of Zeev Buium, to whom he has been compared since Buium signed his contract.
Meanwhile, Detroit's defensive corps has performed admirably. Albert Johansson may not possess Edvinsson's elite talent, but his playing style meshes well with Moritz Seider on the top pairing. Beneath them, Swedish rookies have stabilized the back end, and Ben Chiarot has enjoyed a consistent start to the season. The real struggle for the Red Wings lies upfront. The return of Dylan Larkin has provided a significant boost, yet it remains uncertain whether that is a temporary fix or a lasting solution. Detroit could still benefit from adding another top-six winger, ideally a second-line right winger or a center-capable forward.
Given Edvinsson's status as a highly promising young defenseman, could he fetch the young forward Detroit covets? The St. Louis Blues boast a deep forward group, featuring intriguing young centers like Robert Thomas, Mason McTavish, and Connor McMichael, along with a surplus of talented wingers such as Dylan Holloway, Jimmy Snuggerud, and Dalibor Dvorsky. The name that stands out most is Jake Neighbours, a versatile winger who can play both sides and may be falling out of favor in St. Louis. Despite averaging around 15 minutes of ice time with some power-play opportunities, Neighbours has not yet showcased a superstar ceiling, but he has been effective when slotted into the Blues' top six. The Red Wings need a flexible forward who can either play left wing on the top line or right wing on the second line alongside Alex DeBrincat. Neighbours fits both roles and offers an offensive spark as a dual-threat player.
However, the question is whether such a return would satisfy Detroit. While Neighbours appears solid with room to grow, a 45-point forward does not carry the same value as a 30-point defensive defenseman. An idea circulating on social media suggests the Blues could include Dalibor Dvorsky, but that seems unlikely. St. Louis might be willing to part with picks and prospects, but they are unlikely to subtract more than one roster player, especially a young one, in a deal for Edvinsson.
The Boston Bruins possess two talented young centers who have impressed in their NHL careers: Fraser Minten and James Hagens. Either could headline a trade for Edvinsson, but the Bruins must decide which one they are comfortable moving. Minten, standing at 6-foot-2, already has ideal size for the center position. After a promising rookie season with 35 points in 82 games, he signed a long-term deal worth $7.2 million. He may not have superstar potential, but his floor is high as a 60-point center with size. Hagens, on the other hand, could develop into the superstar forward Detroit needs. Though smaller, he is far more skilled and could reach the 90-point range within a few years. Boston recognizes this and would likely only move him for a substantial upgrade. Edvinsson would give the Bruins an elite top pairing, but is that worth risking a potential point-per-game center? Ultimately, Minten seems like the more natural candidate, and Detroit would likely accept such a deal. It would provide the Red Wings with a solid top-six center who could eventually develop into a first-line pivot. Boston currently has strong center depth, but with Pavel Zacha on an expiring contract, that strength may not hold beyond the summer, making them hesitant to trade Minten.
Easton Cowan of the Toronto Maple Leafs had a strong rookie season and has continued to perform well. The uncertainty surrounding Cowan is whether he will become a 70-point forward or a 50-point one, and that projection will dictate Detroit's interest. The Red Wings desperately need the former while already having plenty of the latter. Toronto has intriguing veteran pieces to include in a deal and is one of the few teams that could pursue a package involving both Dylan Larkin and Simon Edvinsson, though that is a topic for another time. In a vacuum, the Maple Leafs would need to part with Cowan in a trade for Edvinsson, and additional assets would be required. Ben Danford and Colorado's 2027 first-round pick are likely not untouchable, and Detroit would probably demand them in return. Toronto could use a dynamic defenseman under 30, and Edvinsson would become their franchise blue liner, costing them both cap space and assets. Fortunately, Gavin McKenna is untouchable, though he would undoubtedly be a target in any Red Wings trade talks.
Originally reported by yardbarker.