The Detroit Red Wings are aiming to conclude their rebuilding phase and emerge as a playoff contender, and a recent trade proposal could support that goal.
PuckPedia has launched a new tool called PuckGM, which allows users to create their own trades. One user suggested a deal where the Red Wings would acquire Mike Matheson from the Montreal Canadiens.
**Trade Proposal:**
**Red Wings Receive:**
– Mike Matheson
**Canadiens Receive:**
– 2025 third-round pick
– 2026 fifth-round pick
This trade pitch is intriguing because it would strengthen Detroit’s defense by adding Matheson, who is entering the seventh year of his eight-year, $39 million contract. After spending the last two years with Montreal, Matheson is projected to become the Red Wings’ second-line left defenseman.
Matheson would also provide additional veteran experience to Detroit’s blue line. Last season, he played in all 82 games, tallying 11 goals and 51 assists for a total of 62 points.
For the Canadiens, trading Matheson would clear his contract from their books and create opportunities for their younger defensemen to step in. With first-round picks Logan Mailloux and David Reinbacher both competing for roster spots, moving Matheson allows Montreal to get younger while gaining future draft picks.
Canadiens May Send Lane Hutson to AHL
With many young defensemen already under contract in Montreal, Lane Hutson may spend time in the AHL this season.
Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes, during an appearance on BPM Sports on August 27, hinted that Hutson could potentially play in the AHL.
“I don’t want to hide Lane Hutson. We want him to develop into the best defenseman he can be. If he needs to improve his game and it’s better for him to be in the AHL, we’ll send him to Laval,” Hughes said in French (as translated by DailyHive). “We won’t keep him in the NHL just to be a power play specialist.”
Hutson, a second-round pick in the 2022 NHL Draft, turned pro after Boston University was eliminated in the Frozen Four. He played in two NHL games, recording 2 assists.
Red Wings Have 2 Star Players Unsigned
Detroit has not yet signed restricted free agents Lucas Raymond (forward) and Moritz Seider (defenseman), two of the team’s standout players. However, Red Wings coach Derek Lalonde remains unconcerned about the situation.
“I’m not worried,” Lalonde told The Detroit Free Press. “It’s all part of the process. I’ve dealt with this before with RFAs. It’s just how things go.”
Lalonde mentioned that he has spoken with Raymond and Seider several times over the summer, but contract discussions haven’t been a topic. “That’s between Steve (Yzerman, the team’s general manager) and them,” he said. “Our focus is on progressing, moving forward, and building. Obviously, those two are a big part of it.”
Last season, Raymond played in all 82 games, scoring 31 goals and providing 41 assists for a total of 72 points. Seider also played all 82 games, recording 9 goals and 33 assists for 42 points. Both were top-10 draft picks by Detroit.
Despite the lack of contracts, Lalonde expects Raymond and Seider to take on leadership roles for the Red Wings. “Their roles on our team will likely increase, including in terms of leadership,” Lalonde noted. “We’ve talked about that with both of them over the summer.”
The Red Wings begin their 2024-25 NHL season on October 10 at home against the Pittsburgh Penguins.
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