The Red Wings have already traded Nick Jensen and Gustav Nyquist. And it appears general manager Ken Holland has more on his to-do list ahead of Monday's 3 p.m. trade deadline.
There are the obvious names in Jimmy Howard, Thomas Vanek and Luke Glendening. The former two are pending unrestricted free agents. Vanek has a no-trade clause, but Holland said he'd ask him to waive it should an appealing trade offer arise.
Glendening, Vanek, Howard among Detroit’s trade bait targets. A team will have to overpay to land Glendening. Popular player for the Red Wings.
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger)
February 25, 2019 Glendening, who's signed through the 2020-21 season with an annual cap hit of $1.8 million, could offer a contender a reliable checking-line center who's strong in the face-off circle. He's also having a career year offensively.
The Maple Leafs were in on Glendening last year, and are a team to watch this year as well. Glendening was a favorite of Mike Babcock when he coached in Detroit. Holland is likely seeking a second-round pick in return.
Regarding Howard, Holland's said to be asking for a first-rounder. But with few contenders in real need of goaltending help, it's unlikely such an offer arises. A second-round pick may be enough in the end.
As for Vanek, a 35-year-old journeyman who's been traded at the deadline each of the last two seasons, a third- or fourth-round pick is the most likely return.
Then there's a bit of a surprise name: Niklas Kronwall. The Blue Jackets are reportedly interested in the veteran defenseman, who may well be in the final season of his 15-year career.
Kronwall has a 10-team no-trade clause that, given his situation, is essentially a full no-trade clause. The Red Wings won't ship him somewhere without his consent; Kronwall has built up that kind of respect within the organization.
#CBJ have expressed an interest in #RefWings D Niklas Kronwall, but unclear if he wants to leave Detroit near the end of his career. Kronwall a legacy player in Motown, of course.
— Aaron Portzline (@Aportzline)
February 25, 2019 The 38-year-old has enjoyed a resurgent campaign after battling injuries the past few years. He's played in every game after missing the first two of the season and has looked more like his former self.
Should the chance arise to chase another Stanley Cup, Kronwall may take it. A mid-round pick would likely be coming Detroit's way.
