The Detroit Red Wings are in the hunt for a playoff spot, but a trade proposal suggests they could move a forward to a division rival.
Using PuckPedia’s PuckGM tool, a user proposed a trade that would send J.T. Compher to the Toronto Maple Leafs. While purely hypothetical, such a move would be intriguing, as Compher plays a key role for Detroit with his two-way play and versatility.
It remains to be seen if the Red Wings would consider dealing a key piece, especially as they push for a postseason berth.
Red Wings acquire:
David Kampf
2025 second-round pick (Florida’s)
Maple Leafs acquire:
J.T. Compher
The proposed trade between the Detroit Red Wings and Toronto Maple Leafs presents an interesting scenario. Detroit would send J.T. Compher to a division rival in exchange for David Kämpf and Florida’s 2025 second-round pick.
From Detroit’s perspective, the key asset in the deal would be the second-round pick, while Kämpf, a strong defensive center, would slot in as their fourth-line center. Kämpf is in the second year of a four-year, $9.6 million contract with Toronto and has posted 7 points (3 goals, 4 assists) in 41 games this season.
For Toronto, acquiring Compher would provide an upgrade at third-line center while adding depth scoring and defensive responsibility. Compher is in the second year of his five-year, $25.5 million deal with the Red Wings and has tallied 21 points (6 goals, 15 assists) in 48 games.
While this trade would boost the Leafs’ depth, it remains to be seen if Detroit would be willing to move Compher, especially to a rival, as they continue their playoff push.
Maple Leafs Looking to Acquire a Center
With the March 7 trade deadline approaching, the Toronto Maple Leafs are in the market for a center, and J.T. Compher could be an ideal fit.
Compher, who played a key role as the third-line center for the Stanley Cup-winning Colorado Avalanche in 2022, would fill that same role in Toronto. His ability to contribute offensively while playing reliable shutdown minutes makes him an appealing option for the Leafs.
Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving acknowledged on January 13 that acquiring a center remains a priority:
“I think we’ve got depth. We got lots of guys who can play the position. Is it an area that we continue to try to upgrade? Sure… We along with 15 or 18 other teams are looking at center depth, so it seems to be a position de jour.”
Toronto, currently 33-19-2 and sitting second in the Atlantic Division, is in prime position for a deep playoff run. Adding Compher would solidify their center depth behind Auston Matthews and John Tavares, providing a more well-rounded lineup for the postseason push.
Red Wings Coach Uncertain on Deadline Plans
The Detroit Red Wings have found new life since replacing Derek Lalonde with Todd McLellan, surging into playoff position with a seven-game winning streak.
Now sitting at 28-21-5 and holding the second Wild Card spot, Detroit has momentum heading into the March 7 trade deadline. However, McLellan remains uncertain about the team’s approach to potential moves.
“We’re a full month away,” McLellan said. “We’ve got so much in front of us right now, so that’s not a question I’m going to answer right now.”
With their next game set for February 8 at home against the Tampa Bay Lightning, the Red Wings will look to maintain their strong form as they push toward a postseason berth.
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