Don't Count on a Major Deal from the Red Wings

While I admit that the Wings need to make a trade. I also see that a major deal is not in the making. My dream trade for the Wings, is for them to acquire Bill Guerin from the St. Louis Blues. He would give the Wings second line a considerable weapon with his scoring touch and toughness around the net. This is something the Wings need because the line of Lang, Williams, and Cleary are not doing the Job. They have a combined 3 goals in the last 18 games. Nowhere near the production a fourth line should have, let alone the second line.

This though will never happen. Why, you ask? Because the price to pay is way too steep. The Atlanta Thrashers just gave up a first and third round pick in the 2007 draft. A second round pick in the 2008 draft , and forward Glen Metropolit for Keith Tkachuk. On top of that, If Atlanta re-signs Tkachuk after this year, they get a 2008 first round draft pick. All this for a guy who has 20 goals and 23 assists ? There is only on word I can think of about this trade. Ridiculous!


A week ago, the Nashville Predators did the same thing. They brought in Peter Forsberg for winger Scottie Upshall, defenseman Ryan Parent, a first-round pick and a third-round pick. While I believe this is way to much to give up. Nashville at least got a proven playoff performer and someone who was considered at one time the best player in the league.

Why does this hurt the Wings? Because both Atlanta and Nashville mortgaged their future for right now. They are both failing franchises who can be moved at any time. So they are putting all their eggs in the basket to win now. At any cost. That is something the Wings cannot do and should not do.

With all this said. The Wings can still add some quality players to take them to the finals. One player they could add is a former player Martin LaPointe. He is someone who can come in as a roll player and add a little grit and toughness to the third line. He would also be a benefit to the power play as he is willing to stand in front of the net and take a beating. I'm sure it would cost the Wings something like a second and third round pick. Or maybe a Jiri Hudler and a fourth round pick. But that is a fair price.

Another player the Wings could add is a player like Martin Gelinas from the Florida Panthers. He is someone who has performed well in the playoffs and has had a nice year this year with 17 goals and 24 assists. He is a guy that can be placed on the second line to give it some scoring help. He may cost a bit more than a Marty LaPointe, but not an arm and a leg that Nashville and Atlanta gave up.

While all of us Red Wing fans want to see a big trade. It's just not going to happen. So lets just hope the Wings can get a quality second or third liner that can help us going into the playoffs. Also remember this. What wins the cup in the playoffs is goal-tending and defense. I believe the Wings already have that.