NHL Rumors: Detroit Red Wings to Shop Defenseman

The Detroit Red Wings have rapidly fallen down in the NHL standings, and now they are viewed as being one of the top sellers at this year’s trade deadline because of it. They have several pending UFAs this year such as Dylan Larkin, Tyler Bertuzzi, Adam Erne, and Pius Suter, so they could be quite busy when the deadline is here. Yet, another pending UFA that we also could see dealt at the deadline is Jake Walman.

Walman should certainly get a good amount of attention on the trade market, as he has shown this season that he can be a serviceable bottom-pairing defenseman. Furthermore, playoff teams are always looking to improve their defensive depth before their postseason runs, so it seems far more likely than not that Walman will end up being moved if the right offer comes along.

In 24 games this season, Walman has four goals, three assists, and a notable plus-13 rating. When noting that the Red Wings have had plenty of struggles, that last stat certainly stands out as a positive one. Alas, let’s see if Walman’s steady defensive play allows him to find a new home before the deadline passes.