The Detroit Red Wings are on the fringe of playoff contention, but one trade proposal could lead them into a major blockbuster with a division rival.
Using PuckPedia’s PuckGM tool, which allows fans to create hypothetical trades, one user suggested a deal that would send Alex DeBrincat from the Red Wings to the Buffalo Sabres.
This potential trade would significantly impact both teams’ rosters. Detroit would receive J.J. Peterka, a 22-year-old forward in the final year of his entry-level contract. Drafted in the second round in 2020, Peterka has been a key forward for Buffalo, tallying 28 goals and 22 assists for 50 points in 82 games last season as the Sabres’ second-line left winger.
The Red Wings would also gain Jordan Greenway, who could bring toughness and size to the lineup. At 6-foot-6, Greenway is in the last year of his three-year, $9 million deal and would be a solid addition to Detroit’s third line, adding both physicality and some scoring ability.
In exchange, Detroit would trade DeBrincat to Buffalo, giving the Sabres an offensive edge. DeBrincat, now in the second year of his four-year, $31.5 million contract, recorded 27 goals and 40 assists for 67 points with Detroit last season and would likely slot into Buffalo’s top line.
Red Wings Off to Slow Start
One reason the proposed deal makes sense is to bring some changes to the roster.
Detroit missed the playoffs last season and, as of November 1, holds a 4-5-1 record. With a slow start to the season, coach Derek Lalonde is eager to see the team make progress.
“Obviously, sitting here, we’ve been a .500 team pretty much over the 10 games,” said Lalonde. “One win, one loss. Started with two losses. We’re focused on ourselves, but when you look around, the division and Eastern Conference haven’t pulled ahead. I’m hoping for some of that parity.”
Since the Red Wings haven’t reached the playoffs since the 2015-16 season, this deal could alter the core group, potentially sparking a run to end the playoff drought this year.
“We’d like to see some consistency for 60 minutes,” Lalonde added. “From the top, it looks great at times, but not always. We’re working on that with all 12 forwards and six defensemen. The first 10 games are tough to gauge, but it feels in line with our record, and there are positive signs.”
Peterka Playing Key Role for Sabres
Peterka has been a significant contributor for Buffalo this season. The former second-round draft choice averages more than 20 minutes of ice time per game and is a member of the top power-play unit.
So far this season, Peterka has tallied 4 goals and 4 assists for a total of 8 points in 9 games, making him a vital offensive asset for the Sabres. However, in the suggested trade, Buffalo would acquire a true star in DeBrincat. The Sabres have not reached the playoffs since the 2010-11 season.
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