NHL trade rumors are swirling, and it appears the Detroit Red Wings and Montreal Canadiens may be cooking up a significant offseason deal.
Rumors around the league suggest a potential swap involving defenseman Justin Holl and restricted free agent (RFA) center Joe Veleno from the Red Wings heading to Montreal in exchange for center Jake Evans and right winger Joel Armia.
Why This Trade Makes Sense
For Detroit:
- Net-Front Presence: Joel Armia, a big-bodied winger, would bring a physical presence and net-front scoring ability to the Red Wings’ lineup. His size and willingness to go to the dirty areas could complement Detroit’s skilled forwards.
- Center Upgrade: Jake Evans, a versatile center, would provide the Red Wings with a solid two-way player. His faceoff prowess and defensive responsibility are areas where Detroit could use a boost.
For Montreal:
- Youthful Energy: Joe Veleno, a former first-round pick, brings a blend of speed, skill, and potential to the table. At 23 years old, he could blossom into a key contributor for Montreal.
- Defensive Depth: Justin Holl, a reliable right-shot defenseman, would add valuable depth to the Canadiens’ blue line. His steady play and penalty-killing abilities could be a significant asset.
- Cap Flexibility: Joel Armia’s contract ($3.4 million AAV) has been a point of contention for the Canadiens. Moving him would free up cap space to address other needs or re-sign key players.
The Verdict
This trade has the potential to be a win-win for both teams. Detroit addresses their need for center depth and defensive experience, while Montreal gains a promising young player and much-needed cap relief.
Of course, trade talks are often fluid, and the final terms could change. However, the framework of this deal appears to be a logical fit for both the Red Wings and Canadiens.
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Detroit says no thank you – emphatically !