The Rasmus Andersson sweepstakes are over-and the Detroit Red Wings weren’t the winners. The Calgary Flames shipped the top-pairing defenseman to the Vegas Golden Knights in a deal that keeps him in the Western Conference. But while Andersson’s headed to Sin City, the return package Vegas sent back might still have ripple effects in the East-specifically in Detroit.
As part of the trade, Calgary acquired defenseman Zach Whitecloud, along with a defensive prospect and a pair of conditional draft picks. And here’s where things get interesting for the Red Wings.
Whitecloud isn’t just a throw-in. He’s a right-shot defenseman with legitimate top-four upside and, maybe more importantly, term. Signed through 2028 at a manageable $2.75 million cap hit, he fits the mold of exactly what Detroit is believed to be targeting ahead of the NHL Trade Deadline: players with term, not short-term rentals.
That aligns with what NHL insider Darren Dreger recently reported-Detroit, currently in a buyer’s position, isn’t looking for quick fixes. Steve Yzerman, as always, is playing things close to the vest, but the Red Wings’ front office has made it clear through its actions (and a few well-placed whispers) that they’re building with purpose. That means acquiring players who can contribute now and grow with the group.
Whitecloud checks a lot of boxes. He’s 6-foot-2, 210 pounds, and brings a steady, physical presence on the blue line.
Originally undrafted, he carved out a path to the NHL through Bemidji State University, where he earned WCHA Scholar-Athlete and All-Academic honors in 2017-18. That blend of on-ice talent and off-ice discipline helped him land a deal with Vegas in 2018, and he’s been steadily climbing ever since.
His breakout came during the 2020 Stanley Cup Playoffs, when he appeared in 20 games for the Golden Knights. The following season, he suited up for 51 of 56 games during the COVID-shortened campaign, cementing himself as a reliable piece of the Vegas blue line.
In October 2021, he signed a six-year, $16.5 million extension-a clear sign of how much Vegas valued his role. That faith paid off during the Golden Knights’ 2023 Stanley Cup run, where Whitecloud played in 22 postseason games, tallying two goals and six assists. He was a key cog in their defensive rotation, particularly on the penalty kill.
Since landing in Calgary, Whitecloud has continued to log meaningful minutes, slotting in on the second defensive pairing and anchoring the top penalty-killing unit. At 29, he’s smack in the middle of his prime and brings playoff experience, positional versatility, and a team-friendly contract-all traits that make him an intriguing option for a Red Wings team looking to solidify its back end.
Detroit’s defense corps has taken strides, but there’s still room to add another stabilizing presence-someone who can eat minutes, kill penalties, and bring a bit of grit without sacrificing structure. Whitecloud might not be the flashiest name on the market, but he’s the kind of under-the-radar addition that can quietly elevate a team’s defensive ceiling.
With Calgary in the midst of a retool and Detroit eyeing the postseason, there’s a potential fit here. Whether Yzerman makes a move remains to be seen, but Whitecloud’s availability-and his profile-should absolutely be on the Red Wings’ radar.