NHL Trade Rumors: 5 deals the Red Wings should make

2. Shed Nicklas Kronwall’s salary

Nicklas Kronwall has been a cornerstone of the Red Wings’ blue line for the last 11 seasons. He has built a reputation for being a heavy hitter with an offensive side. He has scored more than 40 points three times in his career, hitting 51 in the 2008-09 season. Kronwall now sits with a $4.75 million dollar cap hit and will become a free agent after next season. Starting this season, Kronwall’s no-trade clause turned into a modified no-trade clause, meaning he provides a list of teams he would go to in a trade. Detroit may hold on to Kronwall and try to move him as a rental next season, but if a team has interest in him it will get more value due to the extra time on his contract.

Any team looking to add a bottom-four defenseman would be interested in Kronwall. At 37 years old, he will not be a long-term addition to any team. A team with a young defensive core would like to have his presence in the locker room to show the younger defensemen how to handle life in the NHL and how to have a lengthy career to boot. The Wings would probably get a package of mid-round picks from Kronwall and be able to shed his salary.