If general manager Steve Yzerman felt like taking a slight departure from the Yzerplan, the Detroit Red Wings might be on the verge of something spectacular. He could, however, make a blockbuster trade with a division opponent that would do more than just make the Wings a regular contender for the playoffs—no, the title.
Not one, but two players from one of their division rivals seem to have lost interest in playing for the Blue and Gold. And given how dismal the franchise has been, can you really blame them?
Why not give general manager Kevyn Adams a call and inquire about getting both JJ Peterka and Bowen Byram in a blockbuster trade, even though pawning those two off would help him keep his job if he receives a good return?
Peterka, who just finished with 68 points, might end up being just as productive as Lucas Raymond the next season. Byram, meanwhile, can contribute a two-way game and be another quarterback on the power play.
If Red Wings were able to get Peterka and Byram, they may create their next dynasty.
Even though acquiring Peterka and Byram would probably require giving up several first-round picks, most likely the 13th pick and a 2026 first-round pick, as well as a high-end talent like Nate Danielson, I’m not exaggerating. In addition, I would include Jonatan Berggren and Vladimir Tarasenko (eight-team no-trade list).
Yes, it may sound like a lot, but the Wings would acquire two NHL veterans, including a star who will only continue to grow. The Sabres would gain an immediate replacement for Peterka in Danielson, a high-end project in Berggren, and a veteran in Tarasenko should he choose not to list the Sabres on his no-trade clause.
Since it would keep the Sabres prospect pool supplied with at least three NHL-caliber forwards to complete the lineup in 2025–2026, it’s a move that neither team is missing out on. Although some Wings supporters may object and argue that the price is too high, it’s myopic thinking given that both players are coming off their age-23 seasons and could benefit from long-term contracts.
With Peterka and Byram, the Red Wings would have one of the NHL’s deepest lineups.
How might that top six appear in 2025–2026, do you think? Dylan Larkin, Alex DeBrincat, Lucas Raymond, JJ Peterka, Patrick Kane (should he re-sign), and Marco Kasper are among the top six players you’re considering.
You have a top nine when you include J.T. Compher, Andrew Copp, and Carter Mazur. The main forwards are Michael Rasmussen, Elmer Soderblom, and Tyler Motte, who also needs to re-sign.
After that, focus on the defense rotation, which would include Ben Chiarot in addition to Moritz Seider, Simon Edvinsson, Albert Johansson, and Bowen Byram. The Wings won’t experience another postseason drought of over ten years for a very long time, and maybe Axel Sandin-Pellikka may join in on the fun.
It would also be a dynasty in the making, as I mentioned. When Peterka and Byram are added to this squad, there are simply too many outstanding players. However, Steve Yzerman is responsible for making it happen.
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