The Detroit Red Wings are fighting for a playoff spot, and one trade proposal has them acquiring a star forward to boost their chances.
PuckPedia’s PuckGM tool, which allows users to propose trades, featured a suggestion where the Red Wings would land Brock Nelson from the New York Islanders.
Proposed trade:
Red Wings receive:
Brock Nelson
Islanders receive:
Joe Veleno
2025 second-round pick
This potential deal makes sense, as the Red Wings would acquire a talented forward in Nelson in exchange for Veleno and a second-round pick. Nelson, who is in the final year of his six-year, $36 million contract, is considered one of the top trade targets ahead of the deadline. He could slot into the Red Wings’ top-six forward group and add scoring power to their lineup. This season with the Islanders, he has played 59 games, tallying 19 goals and 22 assists for 41 points.
In exchange, Detroit would send Veleno, a former first-round pick still only 25, who has 5 goals and 5 assists in 55 games this season. Veleno is in the first year of a two-year, $4.55 million contract. He could potentially step in to replace Nelson on the Islanders.
Uncertainty Around Nelson’s Trade Status
Despite the Islanders being out of the playoff picture and Nelson being a pending free agent, some teams remain uncertain whether he’ll actually be traded. NHL insider Pierre LeBrun reported that rival teams are unsure of the Islanders’ intentions, as the team hopes to re-sign Nelson.
“Teams are wondering what exactly is going to happen with him,” LeBrun said. “There are many teams looking for center help, and Nelson is one of the big names. But, as of now, the Islanders haven’t made it clear if they’ll trade him. Part of the reason is they’re still hoping to sign him, though that situation is unresolved.”
Nelson has spent his entire NHL career with the Islanders, appearing in 899 games.
Red Wings Battling for Playoff Spot
Detroit is currently fighting for the final Wild Card spot in the playoff race, with a 30-24-6 record. Veteran forward Patrick Kane says the team is embracing the challenge of securing a playoff spot.
“We take it as a challenge,” Kane said. “Under Todd, we’ve built a foundation where we’re confident in what’s ahead. We’re taking it one game at a time and seeing what happens.”
Red Wings coach Todd McLellan also emphasizes the importance of focusing on the present, rather than getting distracted by streaks in either direction.
“I don’t want them getting caught up in a win streak or a losing streak,” McLellan said. “We need to stay in the moment, focus on what’s happening from Minute 1 to Minute 60, and we’ll be fine.”
The Red Wings are back in action on March 4 against the Carolina Hurricanes.
