Abel to Yzerman
Discussing A Zadina For Brannstrom Trade
by Paul on 01/20/22 at 11:27 AM ET
Comments (3)
Max Bultman and Ian Mendes of The Athletic discuss a Filip Zadina trade to Ottawa for Erik Brannstrom.
Bultman: I don’t think it works for Detroit. Change of scenery trades do happen in the NHL, and Brannstrom is certainly young enough that he could very well pop in new surroundings (or, of course, with more time in Ottawa). But I’m not sure Brannstrom really checks many boxes for the Red Wings right now. For starters, he’s not the profile of defenseman they’ve targeted so far under Yzerman — over the last three years, Detroit has gravitated toward defenseman with long, rangy builds, whereas Brannstrom stands 5-foot-10. Add in that the offense hasn’t actually materialized yet for Brannstrom, and the fit looks tenuous.
But beyond that, Detroit’s left-side defense pipeline is one of the areas the franchise has invested the most draft capital in recent years — using a first-rounder, three second-rounders, and two third-round picks on left shot ‘D’ in the last three years alone. So trading a young player at one of their positions of relative weakness (scoring wing) for a left-shot ‘D’ who is outside their typical profile at the position is just tough for me to see.
The Red Wings will likely need short-term left-side ‘D’ help next year, with some key contracts expiring. But I think it’s more likely they’ll look to add veteran stability to insulate young prospects like Simon Edvinsson and Albert Johansson when they arrive, rather than another relatively unproven blueliner — even knowing Brannstrom’s pedigree.
much more (paid subscription)
Filed in: | Abel to Yzerman | Permalink
Comments
According to Ottawa media, for example the audio clip that is up on TSN1200 right now, Brannstrom is closer to 5’07 than 5’10. Dave Poulin does a good job describing his limitations and where he would fit in on an NHL defense. Not a great review.
Posted by RW19 on 01/20/22 at 11:59 AM ET
To be clear, there is no meat to any of this rumor. And I’m glad, bkz it sounds like a terrible trade from the Detroit side, unless significantly sweetened by the Sens.
Posted by Steeb on 01/20/22 at 01:00 PM ET
Add a Comment
Please limit embedded image or media size to 575 pixels wide.
Add your own avatar by joining Kukla's Korner, or logging in and uploading one in your member control panel.
Captchas bug you? Join KK or log in and you won't have to bother.
Most Recent Blog Posts
More Coaching Candidates And Plans For Pius Suter
The Game Has Started Clicking For Michael Rasmussen
The Future Of Lucas Raymond And Suter vs. Seider In The WC
Coaching Fit For The Detroit Red Wings
Wings At The World Championship And The Status Of A Former Prospect
Wings Sign Veteran Defenseman Steven Kampfer To A One-Year Deal
Gustav Lindstrom’s Future With The Wings
About Abel to Yzerman
Welcome to Abel to Yzerman, a Red Wing blog since 1977. No other site on the internet has better-researched, fact-laden and better prepared discussions than A2Y. Re-phrase: we do little research, find facts and stats highly overrated and claim little to no preparation. There are 19 readers of A2Y. No more, no less. All of them, except maybe one, are juvenile in nature. Reminding them of that in the comment section will only encourage them to prove that. Your suggestions and critiques are welcome: wphoulihan@gmail.com
from Bob Duff of Detroit Hockey Now,
more
Posted by Paul from Motown Area on 01/20/22 at 11:38 AM ET