Detroit Red Wings’ Pursuit of Offensive Support
In a recent episode of the Daily Faceoff Rundown, sports journalist David Pagnotta shed light on the Detroit Red Wings’ ongoing pursuit of additional offensive support, particularly at the center position. Pagnotta emphasized that the team has been searching for upgrades for some time, hinting at the possibility of moving some defensemen in exchange for a new offensive addition.
Current Center Performance
Notably, the Red Wings’ current performance in the center role hasn’t been promising; J.T. Compher has struggled at the start of the season, failing to score a single point and registering a -1 rating during an average of 17 minutes of play per game. His face-off percentage is particularly concerning, winning only 38.7% of his draws. On the other hand, Andrew Copp has had a somewhat more encouraging start with a goal and an assist in just four games, but he too has been disappointing in face-off situations, boasting a lower-than-expected success rate of 37.5%.
Although face-offs are not the sole determinants of their performance, both players have the ability to shift to wing positions, potentially paving the way for a new center to join the roster.
Strategic Considerations
This strategy could provide the Red Wings with much-needed versatility, especially in the event of injuries to primary players like Dylan Larkin or Marco Kasper. In order to strengthen their roster, they may consider emulating successful teams such as the Edmonton Oilers, who benefit from talented depth players like Trent Frederic or Adam Henrique. The Vegas Golden Knights also offer a model with established talents such as William Karlsson as their third-line center. For the Red Wings to compete effectively this season, relocating Compher or Copp to lesser roles while bringing in a high-caliber center is essential.
Salary Cap and Trade Opportunities
The franchise benefits from ample salary cap space, currently at $11.8 million, which allows flexibility for potential trades. With a wealth of draft picks and promising prospects at their disposal, the Red Wings are positioned to secure a transformative player who could play a vital role in their playoff run.
Potential Trade Targets
Among the candidates the Red Wings could pursue is Mikael Backlund, captain of the Calgary Flames. As he approaches a contract year, Backlund could serve as a cost-efficient rental player who is poised to make an impact. He brings a wealth of experience, leading the league with 55 face-off wins and an admirable success rate of 59.1%. Additionally, Backlund has been a pivotal figure on the penalty kill, which the Red Wings desperately need to improve after finishing last in the league last season. Although Backlund’s scoring may not surpass that of Compher or Copp, his defensive acumen and versatility define him as a valuable addition for Detroit’s short-term needs.
Another viable target is Jean-Gabriel Pageau from the New York Islanders. Known for his consistent performance, Pageau has been a reliable 40-point scorer and excels at face-offs with a remarkable 63.6% win rate. He has also been significant on the penalty kill, often participating on the top unit compared to Backlund’s secondary role. As Pageau enters the final year of his contract, he could also represent a flexible rental option for the Red Wings, potentially having more years ahead in Detroit if his contributions meet expectations.
Stay Informed
For up-to-date information on the Detroit Red Wings, including news and player features, be sure to bookmark The Hockey News’ official site. Stay informed about their pursuit of enhancements as they aim for a strong playoff contention this season.
