The Detroit Red Wings have playoff aspirations this season, and fans are buzzing about a bold trade proposal that would bring superstar forward Kirill Kaprizov to Detroit. Using PuckPedia’s PuckGM tool, a fan pitched a blockbuster deal that would see the Red Wings acquire Kaprizov from the Minnesota Wild in exchange for two first-round picks, top prospects Nate Danielson and Michael Bradsegg-Nygard, forward Joe Veleno, and defenseman Justin Holl.
Kaprizov, widely regarded as one of the NHL’s elite forwards, is entering the fourth year of his five-year, $45 million deal with Minnesota. Last season, he was a force on the ice, racking up 46 goals and 50 assists in 75 games. Slotting him into Detroit’s top line could provide the offensive spark the Red Wings need, alongside newly acquired star Alex DeBrincat. However, the cost would be steep, with Detroit parting with two first-rounders and two highly-regarded prospects. Danielson, selected ninth overall in 2023, and Bradsegg-Nygard, taken 15th in 2024, represent Detroit’s bright future and would be key parts of the Wild’s return.
Detroit’s potential package also includes forward Joe Veleno, who recorded 12 goals and 16 assists last season and could help replace Kaprizov’s offensive production for the Wild. Justin Holl, another piece of the proposed trade, would provide Minnesota with added depth on defense.
Adding intrigue to the scenario are ongoing rumors about Kaprizov’s future with the Wild. With only two years left on his contract, NHL insider Elliotte Friedman has suggested that Minnesota might need to convince Kaprizov they’re contenders to keep him long-term. The Wild, currently assessing their roster, could be tempted to cash in on Kaprizov if their season outlook turns bleak.
For Detroit, Kaprizov could be the missing piece to break their eight-year playoff drought. With a promising roster and high expectations this season, the Red Wings have the talent and leadership, as DeBrincat recently noted: “When we’re working hard, we’re a good team…we can learn from last year and really buckle in this year.”
While a Kaprizov trade remains speculative, his addition would undoubtedly raise Detroit’s playoff chances and add firepower to an already-improving squad. As the Red Wings open their season against the Penguins, fans will be watching closely to see if Detroit makes a move to bring the Russian superstar to Hockeytown.
