The Detroit Red Wings have had a rough start to the season, and one trade proposal suggests a major move to strengthen their defense. Using PuckPedia’s PuckGM tool, a user pitched a blockbuster trade in which the Red Wings would acquire Jacob Trouba and Kaapo Kakko from the New York Rangers.
The deal would see Detroit land Trouba, the Rangers’ captain, and Kakko, the second overall pick in the 2019 draft. Trouba, who was the subject of trade rumors this past summer, is in the final years of a seven-year, $56 million deal. This season, he has tallied no goals, 6 assists, and 6 points in 23 games.
Kakko, who has struggled to meet expectations since being drafted, signed a one-year, $2.4 million contract and will be a restricted free agent next season. He has 4 goals and 9 assists for 13 points in 23 games.
In return, the Rangers would offload Trouba’s contract and acquire Joe Veleno, a former first-round pick selected 30th overall in 2018. Veleno, who could slot in as a third-line forward, would be part of the rebuild. The trade would also include defenseman Mark Staal, in the second year of a three-year, $10.2 million deal, who would likely be New York’s sixth or seventh defenseman, helping balance the salary cap.
Rangers Looking to Trade Trouba
Jacob Trouba was at the center of trade rumors this past summer, and his name resurfaced in late November amid the Rangers’ early struggles. It was speculated that Trouba, along with Chris Kreider, could be involved in trade discussions as the team faces challenges to start the season.
Despite the trade talk, Trouba remained unfazed, telling the media he isn’t letting it distract him. “It doesn’t really matter,” he said. “I’m happy to be here. I’m focused on playing hockey. Can’t really control that, I think I learned that throughout the summer. You’ve gotta kind of block all that out and focus on playing hockey with this group here and being the best we can be… I think it’s part of the business. I don’t know if it’s real or not, I don’t know. My job is to play hockey and that’s what I’m focused on.”
It’s worth noting that Trouba has a 15-team no-trade clause.
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