The Daily: Did Red Wings Truly Want Trouba?; Detroit’s Goals Issue

Only GM Steve Yzerman knows how much interest the Detroit Red Wings truly had in Jacob Trouba. Last summer, Detroit Hockey Now reported the team told the Rangers they would be interested in discussing a trade for Michigan native. But talks just didn’t get going or didn’t progress.

ESPN’s Emily Kaplan reports that the Red Wings couldn’t make it work because an unnamed Red Wings player wouldn’t waive his no-trade clause. Detroit players with limited no-trade clauses at that time were Andrew Copp, JT Compher, Ben Chiarot, Justin Holl, Jeff Petry, Ville Husso and Alex DeBrincat.

Emily Kaplan saying it was on Detroit end on why the Trouba didn't happen in the summer. Here, have a listen. #NYR pic.twitter.com/Pt1A590bHJ

— David 🏒 (@DaveyUpper) December 7, 2024

In an interview with ESPN, Trouba wasn’t confident Detroit had major interest. Certainly, it would have been difficult now, given the Red Wings salary cap situation. Trouba’s $8 million for next season probably made him less desirable to the Red Wings

The Rangers made their trade Friday, sending Trouba to the Anaheim Ducks

Bob Duff’s story Friday points out that Trouba is similar to Detroit’s Ben Chiarot. Although Trouba is known as a heavy hitter, his actual number of hits are in line with Chiarot’s number of hits. Their playing time and stats are also similar, especially when you factor in that Trouba was playing with a much better team.

Red Wings In Case You Missed It

Bob Duff writes about how Detroit fans are finding the Red Wings increasingly more difficult to watch.

Detroit defenseman prospect Axel Sandin Pellikka continues to score at an impressive rate for the Skelleftea team in the Swedish Hockey League.

The war of words between former Detroit players Slava Fetisov and Dominik Hasek is escalating again.

Red Wings Extra

Detroit players are looking to shake off a four-game losing streak (0-2-2) tonight when facing the Colorado Avalanche at Little Caesars Arena (7 p.m., FanDuel Sports Network). Detroit has scored two or fewer goals in 14 of 26 games (53.8%). But maybe coach Derek Lalonde’s squad has a higher probability of scoring against the Avalanche. They have surrendered three or more goals in 18 of 27 games (66.7%) this season.

Hockey Now Network

Buffalo: Kevyn Adams press conference makes it clear the Sabres are still looking for answers. Buffalo Sabres.

Florida: The Panthers should have starting goalie Sergei Bobrovsky back Saturday against the San Jose Sharks. Florida Panthers.

New Jersey: James Nichols has a paywall story on why Team USA told Luke Hughes it wasn’t time for him to join his brothers on a national team (for the 4 Nations Tournament.) New Jersey Devils. 

Pittsburgh: Coach Mike Sullivan and veteran Kris Letang were critical of their team over the loss to the New York Rangers. Pittsburgh Penguins.

San Jose: Will Smith didn’t practice Friday. His official status is day-to-day. San Jose Sharks.