Five teams that should trade for Dustin Byfuglien

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Dec 28, 2015; Saint Paul, MN, USA; Detroit Red Wings defenseman Niklas Kronwall (55) and Minnesota Wild forward Jason Pominville (29) battle for a loose puck during the third period at Xcel Energy Center. The Wild win 3-1 over the Red Wings. Mandatory Credit: Marilyn Indahl-USA TODAY Sports /

3: Detroit Red Wings

Ever since Nicklas Lidstrom retired, the Red Wings defense has plummeted. It hasn’t been bad enough to end their playoff streak of 24 seasons and counting, but there have hardly been any formidable defensemen who have played for Detroit outside of Niklas Kronwall.

And as it stands, with Kronwall out, Detroit is fielding two left-handed shooters on their top pairing in Kyle Quincey and Daniel DeKeyser. Acquiring Dustin Byfuglien – who would play with Kronwall on the top pairing – would increase their playoff chances dramatically. That is assuming they make it – they’re hanging on to third place in the Atlantic Division above the Boston Bruins while the Devils are out of a playoff spot by just one point.

Winnipeg would probably be more comfortable doing this deal since the Red Wings are in the opposite conference, but they would still have to give up something similar to what the Kings did for Andrej Sekera last year – in other words, a first round pick and Anthony Mantha.

Mantha hasn’t played yet in the NHL but he’s currently one of the top prospects in their system. The Red Wings also have too many left-handed defensemen so getting rid of Kyle Quincey or Brendan Smith could be beneficial.

Next: 2: Los Angeles Kings

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