Red Wings Consider Trade with Rival Leafs Involving J.T. Compher

The Detroit Red Wings, currently vying for a playoff spot, could be considering a trade that would send forward J.T. Compher to the Toronto Maple Leafs, according to a proposal made on the PuckPedia PuckGM tool. The deal would see the Red Wings acquiring center David Kampf and a 2025 second-round pick (from Florida), while the Maple Leafs would get Compher.

What the Red Wings Get
David Kampf, in the second year of a four-year, $9.6 million deal with Toronto, would replace Compher as Detroit’s fourth-line center. Kampf is known for his strong shutdown abilities, and this season, he has recorded 3 goals and 4 assists in 41 games. However, the biggest asset for the Red Wings in this trade would be the second-round pick, which could bolster their future.

What the Maple Leafs Get
For the Maple Leafs, acquiring Compher would address their need for a third-line center. Compher, who has 6 goals and 15 assists in 48 games this season, is under a five-year, $25.5 million contract with the Red Wings. He would bring depth scoring and defensive reliability, making him a strong addition to Toronto’s lineup. Compher was a key player for the Colorado Avalanche’s 2022 Stanley Cup victory, serving as their third-line center, a role he would likely fill with the Maple Leafs.

Toronto’s Need for a Center
Toronto is actively looking to add a center to their lineup ahead of the trade deadline. General manager Brad Treliving has acknowledged that while the team has depth at the position, they are still exploring ways to improve. “I think there’s some depth there, is that an area we’d like to continue to look at? I’m sure it’s one,” Treliving said. Toronto currently sits at 33-19-2, second in the Atlantic Division.

Red Wings’ Deadline Uncertainty
The Red Wings have been on a seven-game winning streak since replacing Derek Lalonde with Todd McLellan as head coach. With Detroit currently holding the second Wild Card spot in the Eastern Conference (28-21-5), McLellan has said he’s uncertain about what the team’s plans will be as the trade deadline approaches. “We’ve got so much in front of us right now, so that’s not a question I’m going to answer right now,” McLellan said.

The Red Wings will return to action on February 8 at home against the Tampa Bay Lightning.