Diving into the possibility of the Detroit Red Wings trading with the Boston Bruins for. Taking a look at why it might (and might not) work.
Rumors are heating up as the Boston Bruins and Jeremy Swayman continue their negotiations, with the Detroit Red Wings frequently mentioned as a potential trade partner.
With the regular season fast approaching, the Bruins and their star goaltender have yet to finalize a contract—an uncomfortable situation for both sides. Meanwhile, the Red Wings have struggled for years to fill key positions, including second-line center, top defenseman, and starting goaltender.
The absence of a reliable goaltender could be fueling the speculation linking Detroit to Swayman. General Manager Steve Yzerman is notoriously tight-lipped, so it’s unclear if there’s any truth to these rumors. Alternatively, this could be a tactic by the Bruins to pressure Swayman into signing a new deal, with the idea of him potentially joining the Red Wings serving as a notable leverage point.
Key factors behind these swirling rumors include:
Have the Bruins discussed trade options at the round table??? What would be your trade proposals? This is getting to the level of no repair. Ducks are loaded with prospects. Detroit stacked too. Let’s go internet GM’s.
— Paul Bissonnette (@BizNasty2point0) September 30, 2024
Historically, many goaltenders have seen their careers falter in Detroit, only to rejuvenate elsewhere—Jonathan Bernier being a notable exception, as his time with the Red Wings impacted his trajectory.
The Red Wings have a history of acquiring goaltenders via trade (with the exception of Alex Lyon, who joined willingly), and they possess the assets to make a compelling offer to Boston—something that not many teams can claim.
While I’m excited about the prospect of bringing a goaltender like Swayman to the Detroit Red Wings, I’m concerned about the potential cost of acquiring him.
The Boston Bruins have already traded away one of their top goaltenders, Linus Ullmark, which worked out well for the Ottawa Senators, who secured a star goaltender for the long term. If a trade for Swayman happens, it’s likely to be more complex.
The Red Wings have carefully developed their prospect pipeline, and parting with any of those players would be tough. However, developing prospects isn’t an exact science; it often relies on a mix of skill and luck. Opportunities to acquire an NHL-proven talent like Swayman don’t come around very often.
