Detroit Red Wings

The Daily: What’s Yzerman Willing to Give Up?; ‘Ras’ Update

Published

3 weeks ago

March 4, 2025

Steve Yzerman has earned his reputation as an aggressive trader. If you look at his history, he has made more than his fair share of deals.

Sources say he has been looking at finding some help for his current team. But this trade deadline presents unique challenges. First, so many teams are still in the playoff race that the number of available players isn’t lengthy. Our list of desirable and NHL defensemen trade targets isn’t deep.

Second, GMs are looking for big returns. How much is Yzerman willing to give up to land a No. 2 center? Probably he would be willing to give up his first-round pick or some of his better prospects (not Axel Sandin Pellikka) in a deal for right center who has a contract that extends beyond this season.

Buffalo’s Dylan Cozens would have made sense. But we don’t think it will happen. Insider Elliotte Friedman said the same on his podcasts. It seems as if the Sabres aren’t looking for draft picks and prospects. They have enough of those. If they trade Cozens, it would be for players who are ready to help immediately. The Sabres want to make a hockey trade. Those deals are harder for the Red Wings to make.

The two teams talked about it earlier in the season, but couldn’t make it work. But yesterday Sportsnet.ca lists the Red Wings as a team that could land Cozens.

Red Wings In Case You Missed It

The most important Red Wings performer this week is GM Steve Yzerman. Will he make a move before Friday’s deadline?

While many players choose not to spend much time keeping track of what opposing teams are up to, Joe Veleno follows the playoff chase closely.

Red Wings Extra

Michael Rasmussen won’t play tonight in Detroit’s home game against the Carolina Hurricanes (7 p.m., FanDuel Sports Network). He has been sidelined since receiving a late, blow to the head from Anaheim’s Trevor Zegras. He received a three-game suspension for the hit. This will be Rasmussen’s fourth game missed. “Ras is skating, he’s not involved in any contact, so he’s not available,” coach Todd McLellan said. “… We’ll see where he is later in the week.”