Before diving in, let’s clarify one thing: The Red Wings won’t be acquiring two defensemen from the same team. However, the Sabres have a couple of blueliners they might be willing to move for the right price.
We also know that general manager Steve Yzerman isn’t afraid of making big trades, so if it improves the Red Wings, he’ll consider it. Detroit still needs offensive help, and since losing Shayne Gostisbehere, they’ve lacked a playmaking defenseman outside of Moritz Seider. While Simon Edvinsson has plenty of potential, they need more support on the blue line.
That said, the trade deadline presents a prime opportunity for the Red Wings to acquire that much-needed playmaker, with Owen Power or Bowen Byram potentially fitting the bill — assuming, of course, that Sabres general manager Kevyn Adams is open to making a deal.
The Red Wings could opt for a Sabres defenseman instead of a forward
Previously, I discussed how Dylan Cozens could be a strong fit for the Red Wings. While he remains a top candidate to land in Hockeytown, if Yzerman chooses to prioritize defense, the Wings should be highly intrigued by the prospect of acquiring Owen Power or Bowen Byram.
Both defensemen have had solid seasons with the Sabres, with Byram tallying 29 points, including seven goals, in 54 games, and Power contributing six goals and 29 points in the same span. Earlier in the season, Power showcased his potential as a former No. 1 overall pick, notching three goals and 15 points in his first 20 games.
However, landing either player would come at a steep cost. A trade would likely demand at least a first-round pick along with a top prospect or promising young player. Even so, the Red Wings have a pressing need on the blue line, and with their strong position in the playoff race, this is an opportunity they can’t afford to pass up.
Could the Sabres package a couple of players to the Wings?
To clarify, this isn’t about sending both Byram and Power to Detroit, but rather the possibility of Sabres GM Kevyn Adams packaging Dylan Cozens with either Power or Byram for a move to the Motor City. Critics might argue that none of these players have reached — or will reach — their full draft-day potential or become superstars in the league.
However, it’s worth considering how well Cozens and Power/Byram could perform on a more talented, deeper team like the Red Wings. In Detroit, they could serve as key complementary pieces, instantly making the Wings one of the deepest teams in the Atlantic Division.
As with acquiring Power or Byram individually, the price for such a package would be steep, likely requiring at least one young, NHL-ready player or top prospect. But can you really put a price on the Red Wings’ chance to make a serious playoff push this year?
Additionally, given the youth of Cozens and Power/Byram — along with the long-term contracts that both Power and Cozens are currently on — adding them would mean two more core pieces for Detroit’s future. While neither has fully lived up to expectations in Buffalo, that shouldn’t deter Yzerman from pursuing one of these defensemen along with Cozens.