Red Wings could enter Erik Karlsson sweepstakes

The Detroit Red Wings have looked like a better team at various points in this young NHL season, but they're certainly not fully out of the woods yet when it comes to their rebuilding process; they and their fans are hoping that the days of allowing eight goals and blowing late leads will soon be but a distant memory. 

Could they be looking to make a major move in the trade market? Don't be surprised to see general manager Steve Yzerman, who has already demonstrated a willingness to make shrewd deals, pull the trigger. 

NHL analyst Mike Johnson named the Red Wings as a team that defenseman Erik Karlsson could consider accepting a trade to if he were to leave the San Jose Sharks. The former Norris Trophy winner is enjoying a renaissance campaign, having already tallied 10 goals and 14 assists in 18 games played. 

"Maybe Detroit, they're trying to get better, they have cap space, they have pending UFAs," Johnson said. 

Given the fact that the Red Wings certainly have a rich heritage of bringing aboard Swedish talent, Karlsson certainly could be intrigued at the thought of wearing the Winged Wheel. Yzerman could potentially consider dealing one of their pending unrestricted free agents to the west coast in return for Karlsson rather than risk losing them next summer for nothing.