The Detroit Red Wings are currently one of the NHL’s hottest teams, and a proposed trade suggests they could acquire a star forward to strengthen their roster further.
The website PuckPedia’s PuckGM tool allows users to craft their own trade scenarios. One user suggested a deal where the Detroit Red Wings would acquire Mathew Barzal from the New York Islanders.
Red Wings acquire:
Islanders acquire:
- Trey Augustine
- Nate Danielson
- 2026 first-round pick
- 2027 second-round pick
The proposed trade would be a blockbuster move, with the Detroit Red Wings landing Mathew Barzal in exchange for two draft picks and two prospects.
Mathew Barzal is in the second year of his eight-year, $73.2 million contract with the Islanders. He could slot into Detroit’s first or second line, providing a significant boost to their offense. This season, Barzal has played in 22 games, tallying 4 goals and 9 assists for a total of 13 points.
In the proposed trade, the Red Wings would send a first-round and second-round draft pick to the Islanders. Additionally, Detroit would include their top goalie prospect, Trey Augustine. Selected 41st overall in the 2023 NHL Draft, Augustine is currently playing at Michigan State and has an impressive résumé, including leading Team USA to back-to-back World Junior gold medals as the starting goaltender.
Nate Danielson, Detroit’s ninth overall pick in the 2023 NHL Draft, is another piece of the proposed trade. Currently playing in the AHL, Danielson has the potential to help fill the void left by Barzal. In 35 games this season, the forward has recorded 3 goals and 16 assists, totaling 19 points.
Red Wings Back in Playoff Contention
The Detroit Red Wings entered the season with hopes of competing for a playoff spot, but they faced early struggles that put their postseason ambitions in jeopardy.
After firing head coach Derek Lalonde, the Red Wings brought in Todd McLellan to lead the team. Under McLellan, Detroit has posted a 7-2 record, though they are coming off a disappointing 6-3 home loss to the San Jose Sharks. McLellan hopes that setback will serve as motivation to fire up his team moving forward.
“We’ll have a good skate tomorrow (January 15), and then I’m anxious to see how we do,” McLellan said. “Do we carry this with us or do we respond and do the proper things? I don’t know if we’ll win or lose, but we’ll give ourselves a chance. And if we don’t, then we’ve got a lot of work to do.”
The Red Wings will return to action on January 16, facing the Florida Panthers on the road. With a record of 20-19-4, Detroit is currently four points behind the final Wild Card spot in the Eastern Conference.
Barzal Could Listen to Trade Rumors
Although Mathew Barzal is in the second year of his eight-year contract, his name has still surfaced in trade rumors. Despite being a key player for the Islanders, there is speculation about his potential availability as the team looks to make moves.
The New York Islanders are currently 17-19-7, sitting second-last in the Eastern Conference and well outside of a playoff spot. Given their struggles, Winnipeg Jets reporter Carter Brooks has mentioned Mathew Barzal as a player to watch leading up to the trade deadline.
Carter Brooks noted that Mathew Barzal is an intriguing name that the Winnipeg Jets have shown interest in. However, he believes the reported trade return is too steep. Brooks also mentioned that Barzal, 27, has a limited no-trade list, with 10 teams he’s willing to accept a trade to. Barzal is currently in the second year of his eight-year, $73 million contract.
Mathew Barzal, a three-time NHL All-Star, was selected 16th overall by the New York Islanders in the 2015 NHL Draft. His dynamic playmaking ability and skill on the ice have made him one of the standout players for the Islanders over the years.
