The Detroit Red Wings, one of the NHL’s hottest teams, have been linked to a potential blockbuster trade to strengthen their roster. Using the PuckGM tool on PuckPedia, one user proposed a deal where the Red Wings would acquire star forward Mathew Barzal from the New York Islanders.
Proposed Trade:
Red Wings Receive:
- Mathew Barzal
Islanders Receive:
- Trey Augustine
- Nate Danielson
- 2026 first-round pick
- 2027 second-round pick
This trade would be significant, with Detroit offering two draft picks and two prospects in exchange for Barzal. Barzal, currently in the second year of his eight-year, $73.2 million contract, could add depth to Detroit’s offense. He has played 22 games this season, recording 4 goals and 9 assists for 13 points. Barzal could slot into Detroit’s first or second line, providing a boost to their attack.
In return, the Islanders would receive a mix of high-potential players and future picks. Augustine, a top goalie prospect, was drafted 41st overall in 2023 and has been playing at Michigan State. He was also the starting goalie for Team USA during their back-to-back World Junior gold medal victories. Danielson, a forward picked ninth overall in 2023, is currently playing in the AHL and has tallied 3 goals and 16 assists in 35 games.
Red Wings’ Playoff Push
While Detroit began the season with playoff a
spirations, a rough start led to the firing of coach Derek Lalonde, who was replaced by Todd McLellan. Since the coaching change, the Red Wings have posted a 7-2 record but are coming off a tough 6-3 loss to the San Jose Sharks. McLellan expressed hope that the loss would motivate the 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 got a lot of work to do.”
As of January 15, the Red Wings have a 20-19-4 record and are four points behind the final Wild Card spot in the Eastern Conference.
Barzal’s Trade Status Despite being under contract for several more years, Barzal’s name has appeared in trade rumors. The Islanders, currently sitting at 17-19-7 and well out of playoff contention, could be open to trading the 27-year-old All-Star. Winnipeg Jets reporter Carter Brooks mentioned Barzal as a potential trade target, noting that Barzal has a limited list of 10 teams he would accept a trade to.
Barzal, selected 16th overall by the Islanders in 2015, has been a key player for New York, earning three NHL All-Star selections.
