The Detroit Red Wings appear ready to make significant moves during the offseason, particularly if they miss the playoffs once again.
The PuckGM tool on the PuckPedia website allows users to propose their own trade scenarios. One such proposal suggests the Red Wings acquiring Owen Power from the Buffalo Sabres in a major offseason trade.
Red Wings receive:
- n
Sabres receive:
- Erik Gustafsson
- Michael Rasmussen
- Nate Danielson
- 2025 first-round pick (top-10 protected)
This trade would be a major deal, with the Red Wings giving up two NHL players, a prospect, and a first-round pick to land Power, which would strengthen their defensive lineup. Power, the first overall pick in the 2021 NHL draft, is currently in the first year of a seven-year, $58.45 million contract. While Power was mentioned in trade rumors leading up to the deadline, no deal materialized. He has tallied 6 goals and 26 assists for 32 points in 65 games this season.
In exchange, Buffalo would gain a first-round pick and Gustafsson, a veteran defenseman who is in the first year of a two-year, $4 million contract with Detroit. Gustafsson would likely serve as a third-pairing defenseman for the Sabres.
Buffalo would also acquire Rasmussen, a 2017 first-round pick, who would serve as a third-line center for the Sabres. Rasmussen has 10 goals and 7 assists for 17 points in 61 games this season.
Additionally, Detroit would part ways with Danielson, the 9th overall pick in the 2023 draft. Danielson could challenge for a roster spot with Buffalo in 2025. He has registered 9 goals and 23 assists for 32 points in 59 games.
Owen Power’s Name in Trade Rumors
With Buffalo on track to miss the playoffs again, Power’s name was brought up in trade discussions ahead of the deadline. NHL insider Jeff Marek mentioned on Sekers and Price that he had heard Power could be involved in trade talks.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if we see something happen (trade-wise) with Owen Power,” Marek stated before the deadline.
However, Buffalo chose not to move Power, as he remains a young, crucial piece of their future. Power is currently paired with Connor Clifton on the Sabres’ second defensive pairing.
Red Wings GM Focused on Improving Roster
Despite Detroit’s battle for a playoff spot, whether they make it or not, Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman is expected to be active in the offseason.
Yzerman has stated that he will continue to strengthen the team in hopes of competing for a Stanley Cup. “I’m going to continue doing what I think is right—whether that’s at the deadline, during the summer, or at the draft,” Yzerman said. “I want to make the playoffs. I want to win a Stanley Cup as much as anybody in this city, and I take full responsibility for where we’re at today. I’m going to make the best decisions for us, both short-term and long-term, and make choices that are right for the team, not just myself.”
The Red Wings have not made the playoffs since the 2015-16 season. Currently, Detroit is 31-29-6, just four points shy of a playoff spot.
