The Detroit Red Wings appear ready to make significant moves this offseason, particularly if they miss the playoffs once again.
On PuckPedia’s PuckGM tool—which allows users to create and share their own trade ideas—one user suggested a blockbuster offseason trade that would send Owen Power from the Buffalo Sabres to the Red Wings.
Red Wings acquire:
Owen Power
Sabres acquire:
Erik Gustafsson
Michael Rasmussen
Nate Danielson
2025 first-round pick (top-10 protected)
The proposed trade would be a major blockbuster, with the Red Wings landing Owen Power in exchange for two NHL players, a prospect, and a first-round draft pick.
Detroit would add Power to strengthen their blue line. The 2021 first-overall draft pick is in the first season of a seven-year, $58.45 million contract. Although there were rumors of Power being on the trade block ahead of the deadline, no deal materialized. So far this season, he has tallied 6 goals and 26 assists for a total of 32 points over 65 games.
In return, Buffalo would receive a first-round pick along with veteran defenseman Erik Gustafsson, who’s currently in the first year of a two-year, $4 million contract with Detroit. Gustafsson would likely slot in as a third-pair defenseman for the Sabres.
The deal would also send Michael Rasmussen to Buffalo. A first-round pick in 2017, Rasmussen projects as a third-line center and could play an important role for the Sabres. He’s posted 10 goals and 7 assists for 17 points through 61 games this season.
Additionally, Detroit would include prospect Nate Danielson in the trade. Danielson, selected ninth overall in the 2023 draft, could compete for a roster spot with Buffalo as early as 2025. He’s registered 9 goals and 23 assists for 32 points in 59 games so far this year.
Owen Power Was in Trade Rumors
With the Buffalo Sabres on track to miss the playoffs once again, Owen Power’s name surfaced in trade rumors leading up to the deadline.
NHL insider Jeff Marek appeared on Sekeres and Price and mentioned he had heard Power’s name circulating in trade discussions.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if we see something happen (trade-wise) with Owen Power,” Marek said prior to the deadline.
Despite the speculation, Buffalo chose not to move Power, viewing him as a key piece of their future and an important young defenseman to build around.
At the moment, Power is playing on the Sabres’ second defensive pairing alongside Connor Clifton.
Red Wings GM Looking to Improve Roster in Offseason
The Detroit Red Wings are in the thick of the playoff race, but whether they qualify or not, General Manager Steve Yzerman is expected to be busy this offseason.
Yzerman has made it clear he plans to keep adding pieces to strengthen the roster and continue building toward a Stanley Cup contender.
“I’m going to keep doing what I believe is best—at the trade deadline, during the summer, at the draft—always with that in mind,” Yzerman said. “I want to make the playoffs. I want to win a Stanley Cup as much as anyone in this city. I take full responsibility for where we are today. I’m going to make the best decisions I can for this team, both in the short term and the long term. It’s not about what’s right for me; it’s about what’s right for the team.”
The Red Wings have not made the playoffs since the 2015-16 season. As of now, Detroit holds a 31-29-6 record and sits four points out of a playoff spot.
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