NHL Rumors: Red Wings Could Trade Veteran Defenseman

The Detroit Red Wings could trade Marc Staal by the deadline, according to TSN's Chris Johnston.

It's interesting to hear that the Red Wings could end up moving Staal, as the 35-year-old has a no-movement clause with his current contract. Thus, for a move to occur, he will have to accept it personally.

The idea of moving does make sense for the Red Wings, though. The veteran defenseman is in the final year of his contract, and Detroit's playoff hopes aren't necessarily the highest. At this point of the season, they trail the Boston Bruins by seven points for the second Wild Card spot, but also have played three more games. Therefore, if made available, he would be a very good rental candidate for a playoff team.

In 42 games this season, Staal has one goal, six assists, and a plus-10 rating. He is the kind of defenseman teams love to have, as he comes with a lot of experience and plays a responsible game. He also has been a very solid leader for the Red Wings - hence why he is one of their alternate captains. He could work well as a bottom-pair defenseman on a playoff team, so if he gives general manager Steve Yzerman the okay for a trade, there should be plenty of suitors.

Time will tell if Staal will accept a trade, so we will have to wait and see what ends up happening.