Red Wings deal top prospect in major trade proposal

The Detroit Red Wings have had a rough go of it lately in both the win/loss columns as well as the injury front. And as it currently stands, one key member of their team remains on the shelf in goaltender Ville Husso. 

Since Husso went down on December 18 against the Anaheim Ducks, the Red Wings have been relying on the tandem of Alex Lyon and James Reimer, with one game of the now-waived Michael Hutchinson sandwiched in there. 

A trade proposal from Bleacher Report sees the Red Wings acquire goaltender John Gibson from the Anaheim Ducks, who happen to be run by GM Steve Yzerman's good friend Pat Verbeek. And in return for Gibson, author Lyle Richardson suggests that the Red Wings could dangle any one of young prospects Marco Kasper, Simon Edvinsson or Axel Sandin Pellikka to the Ducks in return: 

"With the Red Wings once again sinking in the standings and in danger of missing the playoffs for what would be a franchise-record eighth straight season, it might be time for general manager Steve Yzerman to consider bringing in an experienced starting goalie like John Gibson. Gibson's improvement this season suggests he could be a good addition to a deeper roster.

With a projected $11 million in trade deadline cap space, the Wings could afford to take on Gibson's salary. With over $30 million in cap room for next season, it won't be a problem absorbing his contract for the long term. Ducks GM Pat Verbeek worked with Yzerman in Detroit before moving to Anaheim.

Perhaps the two can work out a deal to their mutual benefit here. Verbeek could seek a promising youngster such as Marco Kasper, Simon Edvinsson or Axel Sandin Pellikka in the return, especially if Yzerman were to ask him to retain part of Gibson's cap hit."

Sandin Pellikka, whom the Red Wings drafted 17th overall in 2023, has just helped his native Sweden advance to the semifinals of the World Junior Championship with a clutch overtime goal: 

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