Rumor: Wings looking to trade 20-goal scorer

The Detroit Red Wings have been involved in several trade rumors in the recent months, and it seems that it will keep going until the Trade Deadline. Top defenseman Mike Green and backup goalie Petr Mrazek's names have been heard in trade chatter, and now another, very interesting one, has come up. 

According to Craig Custance of the Athletic, the Wings could look to trade  forward Gustav Nyquist, who might garner interest on the market. So far this season, the 28-year-old has been back on track and he is now on pace for another 20-goal campaign.

“I’ve always kind of liked him. He provides an element on their team of hockey sense, speed, ability to make a play and he’s that good skill player – not great skill player,” said an Eastern Conference executive. “It’s really hard to find skill. It’s really, really hard to find skill guys who can play in the NHL. I would think there would be some takers.”

If the Wings are hoping to get a huge return for Nyquist's services, rival teams are likely to point out his inconsistency issues. And while his $4.75-million salary-cap hit is reasonable, his actual salary for next season at $5.5 million could be a problem for small-market teams.

“His contract might be a little rich based on the contract, not the cap,” said the assistant GM. “It’s all about the role you’re going to put him in and the players you’re going to play him with. The guy is intriguing because of his skill and his contract is not terrible.”

GM Ken Holland could demand a younger defenseman in return, but according to many GMs, the going rate for that type of player could be a winger with a higher end than Nyquist, such as teammate Andreas Athanasiou. 

Nyquist also has a full no-trade clause for this season and for 2018-19. It will be an interesting speculation to follow...