NHL Trade Rumors: 3 Red Wings Trade Candidates
With a 25-21-5 record, general manager Steve Yzerman faces some big decisions ahead of the trade deadline. Detroit has built a deep prospect pool, and several young players are pushing for NHL opportunities.
Moving certain veterans could help clear space while bringing in assets to support the team’s future. Three players who could be on the move are Cam Talbot, Justin Holl, and Joe Veleno.
Last night's @xfinity game-changing moment?!
— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) January 26, 2025
Two words: CAM TALBOT. pic.twitter.com/a9FFAyZjFl
Talbot, 37, has been steady in net for Detroit, posting a .906 save percentage and a 2.86 goals-against average in 28 games played.
He has won eight of his last nine starts, including a shutout against Tampa Bay, but his future with the team remains uncertain. Prospect Sebastian Cossa continues to develop in the minors, and Talbot’s $2.5 million cap hit makes him an affordable option for contenders looking for goaltending depth.
“Sometimes you just have to weather the storm and get lucky,” Talbot said after his recent shutout. If Yzerman believes in giving Cossa NHL minutes, now could be the time to move Talbot.
On defense, Holl, 32, has struggled with inconsistency. He carries a $3.4 million cap hit through next season and has just five points in 43 games with a -5 plus/minus rating while averaging 14:57 of ice time per game.
His play led to a recent benching, and head coach Todd McLellan was blunt in his assessment. “He had a terrible night, and that’s just the way it is,” McLellan said after a loss to the San Jose Sharks.
With top prospect Axel Sandin-Pellikka close to NHL-ready, parting ways with Holl could free up space on the blue line.
McLellan on Justin Holl's play tonight:
— The Mexinadian (Petry Truther) (@The_Mexinadian) January 15, 2025
"He had a terrible game....I'm gonna tell him that tomorrow"
Lalonde would never call out a player like this. We needed this.#LGRW pic.twitter.com/CmvfbNVdxZ
Veleno, 25, has yet to carve out a consistent offensive role despite occasional top-line opportunities. He has 35 goals and 38 assists in 278 NHL games and remains a reliable bottom-six forward, but Detroit has a surplus of young centers like Marco Kasper, Nate Danielson, and Amadeus Lombardi ready to compete for spots.
This season, the former first-round pick has just five goals and nine total points across 46 games played.
Reports suggest teams like Buffalo, Anaheim, and Vancouver have shown interest, and a trade could give him a fresh start. If Yzerman is looking to retool the roster while keeping an eye on the future, these three players could be moved before the deadline.
Photo Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
