As the Red Wings try to build a Stanley Cup contender under Steve Yzerman, is the missing piece ... Connor McDavid? Gator says there's a path by which the three-time MVP could wind up in Detroit:
"And I know right away people are saying, that’s stupid, that’s foolish, there’s no way that’s going to happen. OK, once you get past that and start to do a little digging, are you sure about that?"
He lays it out like this: McDavid is a free agent after next season, the Oilers already have fellow MVP winner Leon Draisaitl signed for $14 million per year through 2032-33 and they might not be able to pay both, even with the salary cap rising in the years ahead. The duo has yet to bring Edmonton a Stanley Cup in nine seasons as teammates:
"And not that the Red Wings are ready-made to win the Cup, but a change of scenery might do him some good, coming here to a team that is younger and up-and-coming as opposed to this top-heavy team in Edmonton. Maybe that has some appeal."
The Wings are also projected to have a roster full of young, cost-controlled talent when McDavid would hit the free agent market, which would allow them the cap space to make a run at him. McDavid would be entering his age-30 season.
"Could they afford him? Yeah, I think they could as we look toward the future of this whole thing."
Karsch isn't so sure: "Look, this feels a little pipe-dreamy, fantasy. ... There’s so much highway between now and then in terms of what players do you sign this offseason, what players do you trade for, what players do you have to re-up? The Wings have already re-upped two young players who commanded big salaries. Is there any way Edmonton even lets him get to free agency?"
He adds: "The dominoes that would have to line up in the path to get him are unpredictable. It would take a collapse from Edmonton, it would take the player that wants out, and it would take an organization that is backed into a corner.
"Do I think this is possible? Probably not. But, the Red Wings would be one of the teams that would be prepared to make a move. Now all we need is an epic collapse and disgruntlement."