The Detroit Red Wings, aiming to be a competitive playoff contender in the 2024-25 NHL season, are considering a trade that could significantly strengthen their forward lineup. A proposed deal suggests the Red Wings could acquire New York Islanders forward Jean-Gabriel Pageau.
The idea for this trade emerged on the website PuckPedia, which has a tool called PuckGM allowing users to create their own trade scenarios. One user proposed a deal where the Red Wings would receive Pageau, a skilled forward, in exchange for Jonatan Berggren and Justin Holl, with the Red Wings retaining $600,000 of Holl’s contract.
Proposed Trade:
- Red Wings Acquire: Jean-Gabriel Pageau
- Islanders Acquire: Jonatan Berggren, Justin Holl (with $600k retained by Detroit)
This trade could benefit both teams. Detroit would gain an experienced forward in Pageau, while the Islanders would acquire a younger player in Berggren, who is a restricted free agent (RFA) but could be a cost-effective replacement for Pageau. Although the Islanders would take on Holl’s contract, he could still be a valuable addition to their defense.
Pageau, currently in the fourth year of a six-year, $30 million contract, could serve as a middle-six forward for the Red Wings. Last season, he recorded 11 goals and 22 assists, totaling 33 points in 82 games. Over his NHL career, Pageau has played in 718 games, accumulating 145 goals and 179 assists for 324 points.
Berggren, a 2018 second-round draft pick, is an RFA and currently unsigned for the upcoming season. Last season, he appeared in 12 games, scoring 2 goals and adding 4 assists for 6 points. He could seamlessly fit into the Islanders’ lineup as a more affordable option.
Justin Holl, who is entering the second year of a three-year, $10.2 million contract, had a challenging first season with the Red Wings, managing just 5 assists in 38 games. Despite being considered a potential buyout candidate, the Red Wings opted to retain Holl, though his future with the team remains uncertain. If his performance doesn’t improve, he might face a buyout in the 2025 offseason.
NHL insider Max Bultman of The Athletic commented on Holl’s situation, noting that while the Red Wings likely didn’t want to carry four years of dead cap space from a buyout, Holl’s future in Detroit depends on his performance this season.
Before joining the Red Wings, Holl spent six seasons with the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Red Wings Have Two Key RFAs Still Unsigned
With NHL training camps approaching in September, the Red Wings still have crucial negotiations ahead, as they have yet to re-sign RFAs Moritz Seider and Lucas Raymond. Both players are vital to the team’s success.
Last season, Seider played in all 82 games, recording 9 goals and 33 assists for 42 points. Raymond also played in all 82 games, finishing with 31 goals and 41 assists for 72 points. Re-signing these players will be essential for the Red Wings as they prepare for the upcoming season.
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