The Detroit Red Wings are in the thick of the playoff race, and one trade proposal could strengthen their defense by adding a tough, physical presence. Using PuckPedia’s PuckGM tool, a user suggested a trade that would send Nikita Zadorov from the Boston Bruins to Detroit.
Proposed Trade:
Red Wings receive:
- Nikita Zadorov
Bruins receive:
- Erik Gustafsson
- Shai Buium
- 2025 second-round pick
This trade would be an intriguing move for Detroit, as it would give them a veteran defenseman in Zadorov—a player known for his physicality and ability to contribute offensively. The 6-foot-6 Zadorov is in the first year of a six-year, $30 million deal with the Bruins but has struggled in Boston. He has 3 goals and 11 assists (14 points) this season, and with his name circulating in trade rumors, a move to Detroit could be a fresh start.
For Boston, the return would include Erik Gustafsson, a defenseman who has had a solid season with 2 goals and 14 assists (16 points) for Detroit. Gustafsson, in the first year of his two-year, $4 million deal, could replace Zadorov on the Bruins’ blue line at a more affordable cost. The Bruins would also receive defenseman prospect Shai Buium, who was drafted 36th overall in 2021 and is currently playing in the AHL. Buium has posted 0 goals and 19 assists in 49 AHL games this season and could potentially contribute to Boston’s defense in the future.
Red Wings’ Playoff Push
The Red Wings are fighting for a playoff spot, currently sitting at 30-23-6 and holding onto a Wild Card position. Despite facing the toughest remaining schedule in the NHL, they remain confident in their ability to secure points.
“We’ve just been playing real good hockey all the way around, doing a lot of things well,” forward Joe Veleno said. “Competing, and our attention to details have been sharp. We feel good about our chances and our game.”
Defenseman Moritz Seider echoed that sentiment, saying there are no excuses for not performing, no matter how challenging the schedule may be.
“We have to win, we have to get points, and no matter who we play, I think if we bring our A game, we have a good chance of getting two points,” Seider said.
Zadorov’s Struggles in Boston
Zadorov’s first season in Boston has not gone as planned. Despite signing a six-year contract with the hope of helping the Bruins contend for a Stanley Cup, the team is currently outside of a playoff spot with a 27-25-8 record. Zadorov expressed his commitment to the team, stating he wanted to win a championship with Boston, but the struggles have been evident.
“I want (to have) my best chance to win a championship,” Zadorov said. “I’m really invested in what I do. I’m putting all my heart into everything. Right now I’m here for six years and I want to put my heart into (being) a Bruin and to try to win a Stanley Cup in here.”
With both teams in the playoff hunt but facing challenges, this trade proposal could give Detroit a much-needed defensive upgrade while providing Boston with flexibility and future assets.
