Reports surfaced today that the Wings may be in on a trade for Atlanta defenseman Zach Bogosian a former first round draft pick (3rd overall) in the 2008 NHL Draft.
So who would the Wings have to give up?
Atlanta reportedly wants Jiri Hudler, a first round pick, Jonathan Ericsson or Jakub Kindl.
Wings GM Ken Holland has however told ESPN.com and the Detroit Free Press that he has had no contact with the Atlanta Thrashers regarding Bogosian. Holland also maintains that the Wings will more than likely have a quiet Monday when the NHL trade deadline rolls around and that he isn’t looking to make a trade where he would have to give up pieces of the roster. Which is something he would ultimately have to do in order for it to work under the salary cap. The Wings have roughly $600,000 available under the cap.
You however cannot put too much stock in what Ken Holland or any general manager says regarding trades. It doesn’t seem very logical for a general manager to come out and say that they are actively pursuing a player before a deal has been made.
Now if the rumors are true and the Wings are interested in Bogosian they have to be careful. Bogosian is in the last year of a contract with Atlanta where he is making around $875,000 dollars. He will become a RFA this off-season and will be due a raise.
The Wings however seem more inclined to draft a back up goaltender if Chris Osgood’s recovery from sports hernia surgery is not on schedule.
ESPN.com also reported today that the St. Louis Blues have put former Red Wing goaltender Ty Conklin on waivers.
Even though the Wings said they aren’t interested in Conklin he does know the team, the style of play, the coaching staff and was very good while here a couple years ago.
Conklin will also garner some interest from some other teams. He is making $1.4 million dollars this season ($1.3 million cap hit) and is a UFA this off-season.
Source: ESPN.com, Detroit Free Press, Detroit News
