The Detroit Red Wings are in the thick of the playoff race, and one trade proposal has them making a big move to bolster their roster.
Using PuckPedia’s PuckGM tool, a user suggested a deal that would send star forward from the New York Islanders to Detroit in exchange for Joe Veleno and a 2025 second-round pick.
Proposed Trade:
Red Wings acquire:
- Brock Nelson
Islanders acquire:
- Joe Veleno
- 2025 second-round pick
On paper, the trade makes sense. Detroit would land Nelson, a proven top-six forward, to strengthen their offensive attack ahead of the playoff push. The 32-year-old is in the final year of a six-year, $36 million contract and is considered one of the top trade targets before the deadline. So far this season, he has 19 goals and 22 assists (41 points) in 59 games.
For the Islanders, the deal would provide a future asset in the second-round pick while also bringing in Veleno, a 25-year-old former first-round pick who might benefit from a fresh start. Veleno has posted 10 points (5 goals, 5 assists) in 55 games this season and is in the first year of a two-year, $4.55 million contract.
While this is just a fan-made trade idea, it highlights a logical move for both teams as the deadline approaches.
Rival GMs Uncertain if Islanders Will Trade Nelson
Although the Islanders are currently outside of a playoff spot and Brock Nelson is set to become a free agent, there’s still uncertainty about whether he’ll actually be traded.
NHL insider Pierre LeBrun reported on Insider Trading that rival teams are unsure of New York’s plans, as the Islanders remain hopeful they can re-sign Nelson.
“Another big name that teams are wondering what exactly is going to happen with him is Brock Nelson – a pending UFA – and he’s kind of holding up a lot of things,” LeBrun said. “There are so many teams looking at center help. He’s one of the big names. But, there’s still no clear indication from the New York Islanders that Brock Nelson will actually be made available. Part of that is I think the Islanders are still hoping to try and re-sign him, and that’s not been resolved one way or another.”
Nelson, who has played all 899 games of his NHL career with New York, remains a key piece of the roster. Whether he’s ultimately dealt or extended will be a major storyline leading up to the trade deadline.
Red Wings in Tight Playoff Race
The Detroit Red Wings are firmly in the playoff hunt, currently holding the final Wild Card spot with a 30-24-6 record. Veteran forward Patrick Kane says the team is embracing the challenge of securing a postseason berth.
“You take it as a challenge,” Kane said. “Under Todd, we’ve kind of built a little bit of a foundation where we’re knowing what to expect going forward and feeling confident about it as well. So just play every game, take it a game at a time, and see what happens.”
Head coach Todd McLellan echoed that mindset, emphasizing that the team should focus on the present rather than dwelling on winning or losing streaks.
“What I don’t want them to do is get caught up in a seven-game win streak or a four-game losing streak,” McLellan said. “I want them to live in the moment and just worry about that. It can be hard if you get caught up in all of that stuff. It can take you down or put you too far up. Put the equipment on, and let’s deal with things between Minute 1 and Minute 60, and we’re fine.”
The Red Wings will look to maintain their playoff position when they return to action on March 4 against the Carolina Hurricanes.