Red Wings dangle young trade bait at two Canadian teams!

It was recently reported that highly touted draft selection Jonatan Berggren had rejected a contract extension offer from the Detroit Red Wings, and now there is a sense that general manager Steve Yzerman could use him as trade bait ahead of the March 8 deadline.

According to David Pagnotta of the Fourth Period, Berggren has demonstrated that he has what it takes to play in the NHL and could therefore get offers from some teams on the market. Pagnotta believes the Calgary Flames and the Montreal Canadiens have shown some interested in Berggren.

“As the Detroit Red Wings explore the market and look to add non-rental pieces to their roster, young forward Jonatan Berggren remains an asset they are dangling as bait. The 23-year-old is having an outstanding year in the AHL, with 38 points in 37 games to date, and performed well in a brief sting with the big club. But word is he recently rejected a contract extension pitched by the Red Wings and wants a shot at a full-time NHL gig, something he clearly isn’t getting right now in Detroit. Around five teams, including Calgary and Montreal, have expressed interest.”

As a rookie with the Red Wings in 2022-23, Berggren put up 15 goals with 13 assists in 67 games played after being called up from the American Hockey League affiliate Grand Rapids Griffins.

He’s appeared in nine games this year with the Red Wings, scoring twice while adding three assists. In 37 games played with the Griffins, he’s tallied 16 goals with 22 assists.

Berggren is currently playing the final season of a deal that pays him $925,000 per year, and is slated to become a restricted free agent this summer.

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