Detroit Red Wings 2017-2018 #3

Team: 2017-18 Detroit Red Wings

Initial Creation Date: Jul. 26, 2017

Published: Jul. 26, 2017

Salary Cap Mode: Basic

I know the 48 hour buyout period is over for the Wings, but this is just what I would have done.

Trades
Toronto - Detroit
This is a deadline deal for the teams involved. I think Sheahan will have a bounce back year (25-30 points). Detroit has major cap issues, and dealing Sheahan will make the cap issue better. I would love to move Abdelkader or Helm's contract but no team will take them. Sheahan provides value in a trade, and getting a prospect like Nielsen would be a nice return. For Leaf fans it would not have to be Nielsen, but a defensive prospect like Nielsen would be what I would look for.

I think Detroit trades Green during the trade deadline, but until I see how the season unfolds its hard to say where he will end up. Same can be said for either Mrazek or Howard. I personally would deal Howard, but I will be ok with either of them being dealt at the deadline.

Lines
Svechnikov- Zetterberg- Mantha
Mantha needs a set up guy and Zetterberg is the perfect option for Mantha to continue to grow and score at the NHL level. Svechnikov deserves to be playing with the Red Wings this season (and in the top 6). I personally would love to see him playing with Zetterber and Mantha.

Tatar- Nielsen- Nyquist
Tatar and Nyquist were two of the better possession players for Detroit, and puck possession is important for the Wings if they are going to win games this season.

Larkin- Helm- AA
Speed. If Helm stays healthy I would love to see this line. The NHL has gotten so fast, and this could be Detroit's answer to the speed the team as a whole lacks. If it were up to me I would split faceoffs between Larkin and Helm (Larkin still needs to learn to be a center in the NHL).

Bert- Glen- Abby
I solid 4th line with some scoring ability with Abby and Bertuzzi. I think this a good 4th line for the Red Wings.

The combination of Jensen, Sproul, Ouelett, and even a prospect or two will shape the final pair of the Wings defense.

Each line was put together to try and highlight strengths of the players. I don't think the Red Wings will be that good this season, but this line up gives the young players a chance to play in a role that is fitting for their future with the Red Wings.