The 4 Nations Face-Off reaches its thrilling conclusion tonight with a highly anticipated showdown between the U.S. and Canada—a rivalry so intense that it rivals some of the biggest in sports, including Ohio State vs. Michigan, Ravens vs. Steelers, and Yankees vs. Red Sox.
For Red Wings fans supporting Team USA, all eyes will be on Dylan Larkin as they hope for one more standout performance from their captain.
Meanwhile, Detroit general manager Steve Yzerman has some scouting to do, as several key players in this game could be of interest to the Red Wings. The question is: Who should he be watching, and why?
The short answer: Players I’d love to see the Red Wings acquire—but probably won’t.
The first name on this list is the biggest long shot, as he’s currently playing for a team that’s still somewhat competitive. However, if that team stumbles after the break, circumstances could shift, making him expendable.
The other two names aren’t entirely realistic either, but their team has been in turmoil over the past year. If they were made available, they’d fetch a haul of high-end prospects and draft capital.
There’s no guarantee all three will play tonight, but they’re part of the projected lineup, which is what I’m basing this on. So, let’s get into it.
The 4 Nations Face-Off will reach its epic conclusion tonight in what should be a hotly-contested battle between the US and Canada, one that even some of the biggest rivalries in sports (Ohio State vs. Michigan, Ravens vs. Steelers, and the Yankees vs. Red Sox can’t match). For Red Wings fans also pulling for the US, they’ll be looking for one more remarkable performance from Dylan Larkin.
But for general manager Steve Yzerman, he’s got some homework to do, and that includes watching a few players who’ll be taking the ice tonight. Now the question is, who should he be watching and why?
The short answer: Players I’d love to see the Wings acquire, but most likely won’t. The first name on this list is the longest shot, as they’re currently playing for a moderately competitive team at the moment. Still, that team could backslide following the break, and through a series of events, he could become expendable.
The other two names also aren’t entirely realistic, but their team seems like it’s been in shambles over the past calendar year and you can’t argue that they’d bring in a slew of high-end prospects and draft capital.
Now, there are no guarantees that all three of them will play tonight, but they are part of the projected lines, which is what I’m basing this take on. Anyway, let’s get on with it.
Zach Werenski, Columbus Blue Jackets
Zach Werenski is the top target, but let’s be clear—acquiring him would be a long shot for the Red Wings. The Blue Jackets’ alternate captain carries a hefty $9.6 million AAV and has a no-movement clause, meaning he’d have to approve any trade.
On top of that, Columbus is performing better than expected, giving Werenski even more reason to stay. For this scenario to even be possible, the Blue Jackets would need to come out of the 4 Nations Face-Off and completely collapse.
That said, he’s still a player worth monitoring. If Columbus decides to make him available near the deadline, Yzerman should pursue him. It’s unlikely, but not impossible. Werenski has spent nine seasons and 541 games with the Blue Jackets without much team success, which could factor into his willingness to move.
Detroit needs a defenseman who can generate offense, and Werenski fits that mold. The cost would be high—likely including Simon Edvinsson, a first-round pick, and NHL-ready prospects—but if the Wings are in a strong position and the Jackets fall apart, Yzerman should make a bold move to improve his team.
Travis Konecny, Philadelphia Flyers
If there’s one top-six forward Yzerman should target, it’s Travis Konecny. His addition would solidify the Red Wings as a high-powered offensive force. Like Werenski, Konecny would come at a steep price, making him an intriguing but challenging trade target.
That said, his recently signed eight-year deal with a no-movement clause makes it unlikely he’ll leave Philadelphia anytime soon. However, could the Flyers consider moving the 28-year-old while he’s still in his prime and his trade value is at its peak? That would depend on whether a team is willing to take on his contract.
As with Werenski, any potential deal wouldn’t happen until the trade deadline, and only if the Flyers completely fall apart, forcing GM Daniel Briere to hit the reset button. But with Yzerman, you can never rule out a bold move—if an opportunity arises, he’ll at least explore it.
So far this season, Konecny has 22 goals and 61 points, standing out as the Flyers’ only real offensive threat outside of Matvei Michkov. The asking price would be steep—likely a first-round pick, Marco Kasper, and at least one high-end prospect. Then there’s the challenge of fitting his contract into the Wings’ cap structure.
It’s a long shot, much like Werenski, but if the chance presents itself, acquiring Konecny would be a major win for Detroit. Even at a high cost, it could be worth it—though parting with Kasper would certainly sting.
Travis Sanheim, Philadelphia Flyers
Unlike Zach Werenski, who has five points in three games, Travis Sanheim has just one assist in two contests. However, with his projected role on the third pairing, he may not have a major opportunity to rack up points in this game. That doesn’t mean he wouldn’t be a solid option for the Red Wings.
Compared to Werenski or Konecny, acquiring Sanheim is a more realistic scenario. He’s an effective playmaker at even strength, with 21 assists and six goals this season. Defensively, he’s strong at blocking shots—already tallying 126 blocks by the 4 Nations break—something that would help reduce Detroit’s shots on goal allowed.
Sanheim is also the leading point producer among Flyers defensemen, well ahead of Rasmus Ristolainen, who has just 15 points. His full no-trade clause could complicate any potential deal, but considering he’d be moving from a struggling team to a contender, he might be open to waiving it.