The Detroit Red Wings are currently in the hunt for a playoff spot but may also look to strengthen their roster during the offseason. Using PuckPedia’s PuckGM tool, a user proposed a significant trade that would bring Kirill Kaprizov to Detroit from the Minnesota Wild during the offseason.
In the proposed deal:
Red Wings receive:
- Kirill Kaprizov
- Yakov Trenin
Wild receive:
- Lucas Raymond
- Trey Augustine
- 2026 first-round pick
This trade would be a major move, as Detroit would gain a proven superstar and an NHL player in exchange for a young star forward, a promising goalie prospect, and a future first-round pick. Kaprizov, who is currently in the fourth year of a five-year, $45 million contract with Minnesota, has become a subject of speculation regarding his future with the team. His move to Detroit could be a possibility, as he is considered one of the top 10 players in the NHL, and his addition would help the Red Wings become a serious contender next season.
Meanwhile, Trenin is in the first year of a four-year, $14 million deal. The forward is a depth center who has posted 6 goals and 7 assists for 13 points in 62 games.
In return, the Red Wings would part ways with Raymond, a promising young forward in his first year of an eight-year, $64.6 million contract. With Detroit aiming for immediate success, Kaprizov offers more current value than Raymond, though Minnesota may focus on the long-term future. Detroit would also trade Augustine, a top goalie prospect who is currently playing at Michigan State, with an impressive 18-6-4 record, a 2.02 GAA, and a .927 SV%.
Kaprizov’s uncertain future with the Wild Kaprizov is eligible to sign an extension starting July 1, and his future with Minnesota remains unclear. NHL insider Elliotte Friedman has suggested that Kaprizov could leave the Wild, with Minnesota needing to prove its worth for him to stay. “They’re on notice, and they’re admittedly on notice,” Friedman said on 32 Thoughts in October 2023.
Kaprizov’s season has been disrupted by injuries, limiting him to just 37 games so far, in which he has recorded 23 goals and 29 assists for 52 points. He hasn’t played since January 26.
Red Wings GM eager for playoff push Detroit is fighting for a playoff spot, aiming to break their playoff drought. The Red Wings haven’t qualified for the postseason since the 2015-16 season, and GM Steve Yzerman is excited about the team’s playoff chances. “It’s going to be an incredibly exciting playoff run. 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,” Yzerman said. “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 currently have a 32-20-6 record, sitting just three points out of a playoff spot.
