The Detroit Red Wings are gearing up to hit the ice again on Thursday night, facing off against the Ottawa Senators. With their playoff prospects looking promising, the Red Wings have an opportunity to strengthen their roster to ensure a strong push towards the Stanley Cup Final. General Manager Steve Yzerman has identified two key areas for improvement, one of which is acquiring a right-shot defenseman with some contract stability.
The Red Wings have been eyeing several options, including Justin Faulk from the St. Louis Blues and MacKenzie Weegar of the Calgary Flames. However, a new contender has entered the mix, and it could be a game-changer for Detroit.
Vancouver Canucks' defenseman Tyler Myers was notably absent from their lineup against the Winnipeg Jets, a move indicating potential trade talks. Myers is currently weighing his options, with Detroit emerging as a likely destination, according to TSN NHL insider Darren Dreger.
While Myers might not have been the top choice for Red Wings fans-especially after missing out on Quinn Hughes and Rasmus Andersson-he fits the bill for what Detroit needs. Myers is under contract for another season with a manageable $3 million cap hit, making him a viable option for the team.
This season, Myers has contributed one goal and seven assists over 57 games. Although his -25 plus/minus rating is concerning, it's reflective of the Canucks' struggles, as they currently hold the league's worst record.
Standing tall at 6-foot-8 and weighing 229 pounds, Myers brings a physical presence to the ice, which could bolster Detroit's defense as they navigate the competitive Atlantic Division. So far, he's racked up 91 blocked shots and 65 hits, showcasing his defensive capabilities.
If this trade goes through, the Red Wings will have addressed one of their pressing needs as they head into the final leg of the season. Next on their agenda is securing a second-line center under contract.
The market is rich with talent, but the price will be steep. Names like Vincent Trocheck from the New York Rangers, Elias Pettersson from the Vancouver Canucks, and Robert Thomas of the Blues have been linked to Detroit, though acquiring them will require significant trade assets.