Blues can more easily protect Bertuzzi than Dunn. Red Wings jump up from 23 to 17 in 2021 and jump up from 33-40 to 15-25 in 2022 in return. STL's 2022 pick is top 10 protected. Red Wings sign Bertuzzi beforehand then retain 50% salary if need be.

If you extend Bertuzzi and then retain half, this deal can be closed today. Even without retention, the Blues jump at this.

Really loving the idea of the red wings getting Vince Dunn.

Honestly. Dunn is a bit overrated. He has been a healthy scratch at times within the past 2 yrs due to a subpar defensive game. He’s trending as a low end 2nd pairing D-Man. I think the blues would jump on this deal all day. But the Wings wouldn’t give up Bertuzzi for just what’s on the table. If Dunn was as good as some say, why hasn’t a team jumped on him for the supposed asking price of a 1st Rounder?

Dunn had a pretty bad down year this year but he faired extremely well analytically in previous seasons, both offensively and defensively. A lot of Blues players had down years so I would take that with a grain of salt and hope he regresses to his former self. In regards to him not being traded yet, it's likely the Blues wanted to at least keep him for the playoffs, and the trade market hasn't exactly been busy recently. For all we know the Blues may want to keep him going into next season.

What do you feel would be a more fair deal for the Red Wings?

A first round pick is a lot to give up so if St. Louis asking price was around there then that seems a bit crazy. I’d give up a 2nd round pick for him as a wings fan (one we have 3, 2nd round picks this year) and two our left side is incredibly weak compared to our RD side for years to come... Taking a chance on Dunn even if he plays 2nd line time seems very worth it considering his age as well. Analytics don’t show you everything. He’s a skilled player, and could even get PP time as well.

Analytics aren’t everything, you put guys in different systems and they perform different which could be very good or very bad. Considering Dunn’s age and the red wings boat load of draft picks I have no problem giving up a 2nd and a 4th or 5th if that’s what gets the deal dunn (done pun.) if they would flip him straight up for Bertuzzi and give us a pick I’d strongly consider that too.

They would. But what about Krug instead of Dunn? Any interest?

I wanted Krug when he was a UFA but I doubt St. Louis will move him, I’ll stick with Dunn

Oh I think they would for Bertuzzi. No doubt.