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In my last post we examined the growing popularity of Cole Perfetti in mock drafts, as well as Chicago’s cap issues. Brent Seabrook coming off the books would be a boon for the Hawks, and Detroit has the space. There would have to be significant return added on to any trade in the form of draft picks or prospects.
The Detroit Free Press predicts big things for Tyler Bertuzzi. It’s not a secret that Bertuzzi was Detroit’s most consistent player, night in night out. For the second straight season he had 21 goals and added one assist over the previous year for 27. All this in two fewer games. That consistency was impressive in a year when the team struggled so mightily.
Before last year, I was certain that Mantha, Larkin and Athanasiou would all hit 30 goals. Mantha was (again) sidelined by injuries. A.A. just couldn’t find his game. Larkin took a step back posting 19 goals and 34 assists in 7 games. Needless to say my predictions were WAY off.
Bertuzzi’s consistent production could hit a nice upward swing for sure. If the team can score more than 2 goals per game (145 in 71 games) the top players could see a 30 goal man again. I wasn’t certain Tyler could get there, but with any improvement in scoring he could well find his way there. If he can hit the 30 goal mark, expect around the same in assists. He could hit 65 - 70 points, and that would be good news for the organization.
In a continuing theme of trading cap space for an albatross, Edmonton is next on the list. Ken Holland will have his hands full with only 10 million in cap space and only 16 players. There are 14 free agents in the system, and somewhere, something is going to have to give.
James Neal has 3 more years at 5.75 million and no trade protection. Assuming that compliance buyouts aren’t going to be given out, this is an experiment that Edmonton can no longer afford.
Zack Kassian has 4 years of a brand new extension at 3.2 million. Although it’s not as bad as the Abdelkader deal, it’s not great either. It would be strange to see a trade before the deal even kicks in, but never say never.
Any deal with Edmonton will probably at least start with a look at Puljuljarvi. His stock, one would think, went up nicely last year. However, more and more talk regarding the ticket for this player is that GMs see him (currently) as a 3rd line winger with a very high ceiling. Holland made the point of turning down offers that he felt were below market value. Any team that can give him nearly 6 million in cap space back may be the recipient of the disgruntled player. Yzerman scouted Pujuljarvi last year, and has shown some interest.
Neal started strong for Edmonton, but ultimately didn’t break 20 goals. Yes, the shortened season figures into that, but it was still a disappointing run. Former Red Wings Reilly Sheahan was a good fit at 900K, but could be looking for a raise. Glendening could be a good piece with one year left at 1.8 million. Yzerman might have to eat half of that so Kenny can keep the hit at 900k.
But, is Puljuljarvi enough return for 3 years of nearly 6 million dollars? First, Jesse would have to like the trade. He seems content to spend another year overseas if he doesn’t like the situation. Secondly, he’ll need to agree on a new deal. He’s currently qualified and will need to negotiate new terms. That being the case, it would have to include at least a draft pick as well. Should Adam Larsson find himself on the block, that could be an interesting pickup too.
And so, the hunt is on. Is there an Edmonton albatross you could stomach as long as the return was significant? Name your player, name your price.
Detroit Red Wings Blogger • 
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