The Detroit Red Wings are fighting for a playoff spot but could make bold moves in the offseason to strengthen their roster.
Using the PuckGM tool from PuckPedia, one user proposed a trade that would see the Red Wings landing Kirill Kaprizov from the Minnesota Wild in a major offseason deal.
Red Wings receive:
- Kirill Kaprizov
- Yakov Trenin
Wild receive:
- Lucas Raymond
- Trey Augustine
- 2026 first-round pick
This proposed trade would be a big one, as the Red Wings would acquire a genuine superstar and another NHL-ready player in exchange for a promising young forward, a goalie prospect, and a first-round draft pick.
Kaprizov, in the fourth year of a five-year, $45 million contract with the Wild, has been at the center of trade rumors. His future in Minnesota is uncertain, and the Wild could move him to Detroit. Considered one of the NHL’s top-10 players, Kaprizov could elevate the Red Wings into serious contenders next season.
Trenin, in his first year of a four-year, $14 million deal, is a depth center with 6 goals and 7 assists for 13 points in 62 games.
On the other hand, Detroit would trade away Raymond, a talented young forward currently in the first year of an eight-year, $64.6 million contract. While Kaprizov is a better player now, Minnesota is focused on future prospects.
The Red Wings would also send Augustine, one of the NHL’s top goalie prospects, currently playing at Michigan State. He boasts an 18-6-4 record with a 2.02 GAA and .927 SV%.
Kaprizov’s uncertain future with the Wild Kaprizov is eligible for an extension starting July 1, and his future with Minnesota remains uncertain. NHL insider Elliotte Friedman has suggested that the Wild could lose Kaprizov, depending on the team’s performance this season.
“Depending on where Minnesota is, both at the deadline and next summer, the results that they have this year,” Friedman said on 32 Thoughts in October. “The fact that these are out there means there’s going to be a kind of Kaprizov watch going on… They’re on notice, and they’re admittedly on notice. They’re going to have to show him that they’re worth staying with.”
Kaprizov has faced a challenging season, dealing with injuries. He has played only 37 games, recording 23 goals and 29 assists for 52 points, and hasn’t played since January 26.
Red Wings GM enthusiastic about playoff push The Red Wings are currently fighting for a playoff spot and aiming to end their postseason drought.
Detroit hasn’t made the playoffs since the 2015-16 season, and general manager Steve Yzerman is looking forward to the playoff battle.
“It’s going to be an incredibly exciting playoff run where we’re looking at it,” Yzerman said. “I think it’s going to be an exciting battle, and I’m hoping that we can remain in it for those Wild-Card spots too. The NHL is having a great year, and a lot of excitement in these moves here, particularly in the East, are going to make it very interesting.”
The Red Wings are currently 32-20-6 and just three points out of a playoff spot.
