- The Detroit Red Wings have faced challenges scoring this season, and one trade proposal suggests they could strengthen their offense by acquiring Andrei Kuzmenko from the Calgary Flames.
According to a trade idea generated using the PuckGM tool on PuckPedia, the deal would involve the Red Wings acquiring Kuzmenko in exchange for Joe Veleno, a 2025 second-round pick, and a 2025 third-round pick (from the Rangers).
This trade seems logical, as Detroit would secure Kuzmenko for a former first-round pick and two draft picks. Kuzmenko, currently in the second year of his two-year, $11 million deal, is expected to be moved before the trade deadline. He had an impressive 39-goal season with the Vancouver Canucks in 2022-23, though he has struggled this season with just 1 goal and 8 assists through 25 games.
The main assets for Calgary would be the draft picks, but they would also acquire Veleno, a forward selected 30th overall in the 2018 NHL Draft. While Veleno has shown promise, he has not yet reached his potential, and a change of scenery might benefit him. This season, he has 1 goal and 1 assist in 22 games.
With the Red Wings aiming to make a playoff push despite a rocky start, NHL insider David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period reports that GM Steve Yzerman is exploring potential trades to improve the team’s standing. Detroit is currently near the bottom of the Eastern Conference, fueling speculation that changes could be on the way.
