Derek Lalonde of the Detroit Red Wings
The Detroit Red Wings are in full pursuit to end their lengthy playoff drought, and one ambitious trade proposal has them eyeing one of the league’s top goalies—Jeremy Swayman of the Boston Bruins. If the trade were to materialize, it could be a blockbuster that shifts the balance of power in the Eastern Conference.
The user-generated trade proposal from PuckPedia’s PuckGM tool suggests that Detroit would go all-in to acquire Swayman by sending a package of players and picks to Boston. The proposed deal includes sending top goalie prospect Sebastian Cossa, current NHL netminder Ville Husso, forwards Jonatan Berggren, Andrew Copp, and Marco Kasper, along with a 2026 first-round pick, to Boston in exchange for Swayman.
Red Wings Looking to Bolster Their Goalie Situation
Detroit’s need for a reliable and elite goaltender has become a focal point in their bid to return to the postseason. Swayman, still without a contract, presents a prime opportunity for the Red Wings to solidify their goalie tandem. Last season, Swayman posted impressive numbers with a 25-10-8 record, a 2.53 goals-against average (GAA), and a .916 save percentage (SV%).
According to the PuckGM tool’s proposal, Detroit would sign Swayman to a seven-year deal worth $8 million per season. It would be a bold move by the Red Wings, as they would be securing their goaltending future while parting with some key assets, including top prospect Cossa.
What Boston Gets in Return
The Boston Bruins would be receiving significant compensation in this deal, most notably in Cossa, one of the NHL’s top goalie prospects. Selected 15th overall in the 2021 NHL draft, Cossa is viewed as a future NHL starter and could push for playing time as early as next season.
Ville Husso, who’s entering the final year of his current contract, would give Boston an experienced goaltender to partner with Joonas Korpisalo in net. Meanwhile, forwards Copp and Berggren would add depth to Boston’s middle-six forward group, and Kasper, the eighth overall pick in the 2022 NHL draft, is a promising young player who could break into the NHL soon.
The 2026 first-round pick included in the deal gives Boston additional flexibility for future moves or draft capital to further enhance their roster.
Swayman’s Contract Dispute with the Bruins
Swayman’s contract situation has been a point of contention in Boston. During a press conference on September 30, Bruins president Cam Neely claimed that Swayman turned down a $64 million extension. However, Swayman’s agent, Lewis Gross, refuted the claim, saying no such offer had been made before the press conference.
“Prior to the press conference, no offer was made reaching that level,” Gross said in a statement. “We are extremely disappointed. This was not fair to Jeremy. We will take a few days to discuss where we go from here.”
This ongoing contract dispute adds further intrigue to the trade speculation, as it’s unclear if Swayman’s future lies in Boston or if he could be moved to another team.
Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman’s Thoughts on Detroit’s Goalie Situation
Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman has remained tight-lipped about any potential blockbuster moves but has been clear about one thing: he doesn’t expect Detroit to carry three goalies on their NHL roster this season. With Cam Talbot signed in free agency and both Husso and Cossa vying for spots, Yzerman admitted it’s not ideal to juggle three goalies.
“I don’t see us really doing three goaltenders throughout the course of the season,” Yzerman said. “That wasn’t really the plan last year, either, but injury kind of dictated that.”
As Detroit prepares for the upcoming season opener on October 10 against the Pittsburgh Penguins, fans will be eagerly watching to see if this trade—or any other major moves—will come to fruition as the Red Wings continue their quest to end their playoff drought.
