Before diving in, let’s be clear: The Red Wings won’t be acquiring two defensemen from the same team. However, the Sabres have a couple of blueliners they might be willing to move for the right price.
We also know that general manager Steve Yzerman isn’t shy about making blockbuster trades. If it improves the Red Wings, he’ll certainly explore the possibility. The team still needs scoring help, and after parting ways with Shayne Gostisbehere, they’ve lacked a true playmaker on the blue line outside of Moritz Seider. While Simon Edvinsson has immense potential, they need more.
That makes the trade deadline a prime opportunity to add a playmaker, and Owen Power or Bowen Byram could fit the bill—if Sabres GM Kevyn Adams is willing to make a deal.
The Red Wings could opt for a Sabres defenseman instead of a forward
Previously, I discussed how Dylan Cozens could be a great fit for the Red Wings. While he remains a top candidate to land in Hockeytown, if Yzerman decides to prioritize defense, the Wings should be highly intrigued by the idea of acquiring either Owen Power or Bowen Byram.
Both defensemen have had strong seasons with the Sabres. Byram has tallied 29 points and seven goals in 54 games, while Power has recorded six goals and 29 points over the same span. Earlier in the season, Power showcased his potential as a former No. 1 overall pick, racking up three goals and 15 points in his first 20 games.
Naturally, acquiring either player would come at a steep cost. A first-round pick, along with at least one high-end prospect or young talent, would likely be the starting point for any deal. However, with a clear need on the blue line and the Wings in solid playoff contention, this is an opportunity they can’t afford to overlook.
Could the Sabres package a couple of players to the Wings?
No, this isn’t about sending both Byram and Power to Detroit. Instead, it’s about the possibility of Kevyn Adams packaging Dylan Cozens with either Power or Byram in a deal to the Motor City. Critics may argue that none of these players are destined to be superstars or even reach their full draft-day potential.
However, it’s worth considering how well Cozens and Power or Byram could perform in a more talented, deeper lineup than Buffalo’s. In Detroit, they could thrive as key supporting pieces, instantly making the Red Wings one of the deepest teams in the Atlantic Division.
Much like acquiring just one of the defensemen, the cost for this kind of trade would be significant—at least one additional young, NHL-ready player or high-end prospect would be the baseline. But can you really put a price on giving the Wings a legitimate shot at a deep playoff run this season?
Beyond that, with Power and Cozens locked into long-term deals and both players still in the early stages of their careers, adding them would mean strengthening Detroit’s core for years to come. While neither has fully met expectations in Buffalo, that shouldn’t deter Yzerman from exploring a trade for one of the defensemen—and possibly Cozens as well.
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