Yzerman isn't going to make a deal just to make a deal, but I do agree that he could surprise some people.
Probable Deals:
Leddy- Hope for 2nd but his play has dropped off here so I'd expect a 3rd.
Namestikov- Having a very solid season, fairly cheap, good vet depth. Again I'd expect a 3rd.
Maybe Deals:
Greiss- I think Stevie only makes this deal if someone is desperate for goaltending help and gives him like a 2nd. Pickard has been really solid this year so he could probably fill in at backup.
Staal- NTC but he could be pro making a run on a good team, and unlike the other Staal brothers, he does not have a cup. He's a solid vet pickup and would be a very good depth guy for a contender. His cap hit this year makes it much easier to move him with or without retention. I'd expect maybe a 4th. This one will be up to Staal most likely.
Sweetheart Trades:
Bert- Unlikely to be dealt this year due to play, vaccine status, and general team vibe. With that said, I think if Stevie could use him to bring in a high pick and a really good center prospect, I could see him making a deal. Back health, age, and a likely long term high money contract could be something Stevie does not want to tempt fate on despite Bert's very production season.
Suter/Fabbri- Neither are probably long term additions to the team. Berggy is waiting in the wings for a top 6 spot, and I think Soder won't be too far behind. Either could be dealt but I don't sense a need to do so.
Zadina- He'd have to find a guy in a similar position (young guy needing a change of address) or have a team overpay for his potential. I think he has the highest chance of being moved, but I don't think Stevie sells him at a bottom barrel price either.
Hronek- I think it would take a huge deal to get him out of Detroit. Trading him just opens up yet another hole in our top 4. I think he could potentially be a solid partner for Ed next season, and he is productive. Despite losing his 1st PP and 1st pairing minutes, he is still chugging along at a 0.5 point pace. We don't have any RD close to being able to jump into that spot, and no Lindstrom is not a top 4 dman. The only way I see him being dealt is if someone severely overpays ala a Mantha deal where we get a pretty much equivalent player and a 1st or we package him for a better player.
The only guys on the team that are off limits are Larkin, Seider, and Ray. Ned's price would also be sky high since we have no starters close to being ready in the system. Only prospects are probably Cossa and Ed. Everyone else is available for the right price, which is how it should be for a team slowly making its way out of the basement. I think playoffs are a legit possbility next year, but I could also see Sophomore slumps for key rookies and that could mean we have another bubble lottery year.
