Ansar Khan of Mlive answeers some fan mail,

Q. Does a (Thomas) Griess trade to Edmonton make sense? Goalie trades get a second-round pick? Throw in (Filip) Zadina or (Vladislav) Namestnikov and get their first-rounder in 2022? – Todd

A: It is doubtful. The Oilers could use an upgrade in goal, but Greiss isn’t the answer. He’s at most a goalie who can carry 50 percent of the load. Coach Jeff Blashill has said as much, indicating Greiss is at his best when he’s not overworked.

The Red Wings wouldn’t be averse to moving Greiss, who is in the final year of his contract, by the March 21 trade deadline. But it would be to a team seeking a backup. And if the Red Wings can’t get a second- or third-round pick for him, they might as well keep him.

Oilers general manager Ken Holland has stated that he is not likely to trade his first-round pick.

Q: Smart move to put Zadina on the first line; is this a showcase, part of his development plan or both? – Todd

A: Zadina has underachieved, no question. But he’s only 22, and being a No. 6 overall pick (2018), he will probably get more rope than did other first-rounders Evgeny Svechnikov (No. 19 in 2015) and Dennis Cholowski (No. 20 in 2016).

The main factor in moving him up to Dylan Larkin’s line, with Lucas Raymond, is the hope that playing with more skilled players will spark him.

Yzerman won’t hesitate to make a bold move and cut bait with someone he is not sold on, but he probably will give Zadina a little more time to pan out.

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