The Detroit Red Wings are on a mission to return to the playoffs for the first time since 2016, and the franchise is exploring every avenue to strengthen its roster. One intriguing trade proposal has surfaced, where the Red Wings would acquire veteran defenseman Erik Gudbranson from the Columbus Blue Jackets. The potential deal would bring a gritty, hard-nosed presence to Detroit’s blue line, helping shore up their defense as they look to make a push toward the postseason.
The Trade Proposal
According to PuckPedia’s PuckGM tool, the proposed trade would see the Detroit Red Wings acquire Erik Gudbranson in exchange for Justin Holl, Antti Tuomisto, and a 2025 second-round pick. Let’s break down the specifics of this trade and why it could make sense for both teams.
What Detroit Gets: Erik Gudbranson
At first glance, the trade is an interesting one for Detroit. Gudbranson, in the third year of a four-year, $16 million contract, is known for his physical style of play and ability to add a veteran presence to the lineup. In 792 career NHL games, the 31-year-old defenseman has registered 34 goals, 99 assists, and 133 points. While he’s not a point producer by any means, Gudbranson’s value lies in his defensive acumen and his ability to handle the rough-and-tumble side of the game.
For a Red Wings team looking to make a playoff push, adding a veteran like Gudbranson could prove invaluable. He’s the type of player who can handle top-six minutes, particularly in shutting down opposing teams’ best players. His size (6’5″, 218 pounds) and physicality would give Detroit a much-needed boost on the back end, allowing them to compete with some of the tougher, more skilled teams in the Eastern Conference.
However, there is one significant caveat to consider: Gudbranson is currently sidelined indefinitely after undergoing shoulder surgery in late October. The veteran blueliner is expected to be out for several months, but the Red Wings would be acquiring him with an eye on a potential return late in the season. The hope would be that Gudbranson could get healthy in time to make an impact down the stretch and in the playoffs.
What Detroit Gives Up: Justin Holl, Antti Tuomisto, and a Second-Round Pick
The Red Wings would be parting with Justin Holl, a player whose tenure in Detroit has not gone as smoothly as expected. Holl, signed to a three-year, $10.2 million deal in the 2022 offseason, has struggled to find consistent form in the Motor City. The 32-year-old has played in just eight games this season, registering one assist, and was considered a potential buyout candidate during the offseason. While Holl has had some solid defensive years in Toronto, his time in Detroit has been a bit underwhelming.
If Detroit does decide to trade Holl, they would be getting out of the remaining term of his deal, which has been a source of frustration for the front office. As NHL insider Max Bultman of The Athletic pointed out, Detroit might have avoided buying out Holl this offseason due to the long-term cap implications, but if his play continues to underperform, the Red Wings could explore a buyout in 2025. Trading him now allows the team to move on from the contract and acquire a player who can contribute right away.
In addition to Holl, Detroit would part with Antti Tuomisto, a 2019 second-round pick (35th overall) who is currently playing in the AHL. Tuomisto, a defensive prospect, has yet to take the next step in his development and is far from a sure thing at the NHL level. He provides some potential upside for the Blue Jackets but isn’t a major loss for the Red Wings in terms of their long-term plans.
The final piece of the trade is the 2025 second-round pick, which would be a tough sacrifice for Detroit but is a necessary part of the package to acquire a player of Gudbranson’s caliber. The second-round pick is still a valuable asset, but the Red Wings would likely view this as a worthwhile gamble if Gudbranson can help them push for a playoff spot and make an impact once he returns to full health.
Why This Trade Makes Sense for the Red Wings
For Detroit, the primary motivation behind this trade is to bolster their defense and add a physical presence to the blue line. The Red Wings have shown promise in recent seasons, but they have struggled to keep pucks out of the net at times, especially against tougher, more physical teams. Adding a player like Gudbranson, who can handle the opposition’s top players and provide leadership in the locker room, would give Detroit a better shot at competing with the top teams in the East.
Moreover, Gudbranson’s leadership and experience could be a crucial asset in the playoffs, where veteran presence and physicality often make the difference. While the Red Wings are hoping to develop their young core, a trade like this would signal a commitment to winning now, balancing the development of players like Moritz Seider and Filip Hronek with the addition of a seasoned, gritty defenseman.
The fact that Gudbranson is sidelined for the time being is an unfortunate wrinkle, but Detroit could be buying low on him with the expectation that he will contribute later in the season when it matters most.
Conclusion
The trade proposal to acquire Erik Gudbranson from the Columbus Blue Jackets makes a lot of sense for the Detroit Red Wings. In exchange for Justin Holl, Antti Tuomisto, and a second-round pick, Detroit would get a veteran defenseman who can provide the physicality and leadership they need to make a push for the playoffs. While Gudbranson’s current shoulder injury is a risk, the Red Wings have enough depth and can afford to wait for his return as they aim to end their playoff drought.
This type of trade would signal that Detroit is serious about competing now, and if Gudbranson can stay healthy, he could be a key piece in the team’s playoff aspirations. As the Red Wings continue to build around their young stars, moves like this one could be what separates them from finally breaking through to the postseason again.
