An interesting trade proposal has emerged that could help address the Detroit Red Wings’ offensive struggles. A user on the PuckPedia PuckGM tool suggested a deal that would see Detroit re-acquire veteran forward *Gustav Nyquist* from the Nashville Predators in exchange for *Joe Veleno* and *Jonatan Berggren*.
in 2008), spent the first eight seasons of his NHL career with Detroit before moving on to the San Jose Sharks. Now with Nashville, Nyquist has contributed 4 goals and 3 assists in 12 games, although he is in the final year of his two-year, $6.37 million contract. Bringing him back to Detroit could provide a much-needed offensive boost to a team that has struggled to generate consistent scoring.
In exchange, the Red Wings would send Veleno, a 2018 first-round pick, who has yet to find the scoresheet this season with just 1 assist in 11 games. The 24-year-old is in the first year of a two-year, $4.55 million deal. Detroit would also part with Berggren, who signed a one-year, $825,000 deal in the offseason and has also struggled offensively, registering just 1 assist in 11 games this season.
### **Why This Trade Makes Sense for Detroit:**
Detroit has had difficulty scoring, averaging only 2.63 goals per game, despite having the seventh-ranked power play at 26.5%. Nyquist could help improve their middle-six forward group and provide a veteran presence with scoring ability. The Red Wings are looking for a way to improve their five-on-five play, and Nyquist’s experience and offensive potential might be just what they need.
With a 5-5-1 record through November 5, the Red Wings are seeking to regain momentum, and adding Nyquist could help kick-start their offense.
### **Predators’ Struggles and a Need for Change:**
Meanwhile, the Nashville Predators have had a rough start to the season, posting a 4-7-1 record and sitting at the bottom of the Central Division despite an active offseason in which they added big names like Steven Stamkos, Jonathan Marchessault, and Brady Skjei. The Predators are hoping that an upcoming road trip will help them find their game and turn their season around.
Ryan O’Reilly voiced frustration with the team’s current performance, stating, “I think we need to get out of town and figure this out. It’s very frustrating right now… On the road, I think it’s a little easier. You can show up and just play.”
Coach Andrew Brunette echoed his concerns but is hopeful that the team can find a way to get back on track soon: “We’re probably not really close, so we’re going to have to find a way to get there.”
If this proposed trade goes through, Nashville would receive two younger forwards with upside in Veleno and Berggren, while Detroit would get a seasoned forward in Nyquist to help bolster their offensive production.
