ICYMI: Montreal Canadiens Blockbuster Trade done after Acquiring $39 Million Rival key man departure

The Detroit Red Wings aim to conclude their rebuild and emerge as a playoff contender, with one trade proposal potentially bolstering their chances.

PuckPedia recently introduced a tool called PuckGM, allowing users to design their own trades. One user suggested a trade where the Red Wings would acquire Mike Matheson from the Montreal Canadiens.

Red Wings acquire:

Here’s a paraphrased version of the passage:

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The Detroit Red Wings are looking to enhance their defense with a trade proposal that would bring Mike Matheson from the Montreal Canadiens. In exchange, the Canadiens would receive a 2025 third-round pick and a 2026 fifth-round pick. This deal would strengthen Detroit’s blue line, with Matheson, who is entering the seventh year of an eight-year, $39 million contract, projected to slot in as the Red Wings’ second-line left defenseman. Matheson, a veteran presence, tallied 11 goals and 51 assists for 62 points in 82 games last season.

For the Canadiens, this trade would clear cap space and create opportunities for younger defensemen, like first-round picks Logan Mailloux and David Reinbacher, to step up. Montreal’s general manager, Kent Hughes, recently suggested that Lane Hutson, another young defenseman, might spend time in the AHL to further develop his game.

In other Red Wings news, the team has yet to sign restricted free agents Lucas Raymond and Moritz Seider, two of their top players. However, head coach Derek Lalonde isn’t concerned, emphasizing that contract negotiations are part of the process. Both Raymond and Seider are expected to take on increased leadership roles this season. The Red Wings are set to open the 2024-25 NHL season on October 10 at home against the Pittsburgh Penguins.