The Red Wings are reportedly connected to Steven Stamkos and John Gibson.
The Detroit Red Wings are reportedly eyeing Tampa Bay Lightning forward Steven Stamkos and considering a trade for Anaheim Ducks goaltender John Gibson as the NHL free agency period nears. According to sources, TSN’s Chris Johnston mentioned on TSN Insider Trading on June 26 that the Red Wings are clearing salary cap room to potentially make a significant bid for Stamkos.
“One team to watch closely is the Detroit Red Wings, who recently cleared cap space by trading Jake Walman,” Johnston mentioned. “There’s speculation that they are positioning themselves to pursue (Stamkos) if he becomes available as a free agent.”
David Pagnotta from The Fourth Period stated that Detroit is in talks with Anaheim about Gibson, exploring a possible trade for the goaltender during the offseason.
“Reports indicate that Anaheim is actively seeking to trade goaltender John Gibson,” Pagnotta stated on X on June 26. “He has submitted a 10-team no-trade list. It appears discussions have been ongoing between Anaheim, Detroit, and another club.”
PuckPedia forecasts that the Red Wings will have $31.8 million in salary cap space heading into the offseason, with contracts secured for only 13 players.
Red Wings to fight Predators for Steven Stamkos
The trade of Jake Walman to the San Jose Sharks has sparked increased speculation about Detroit’s plans to acquire players through free agency.
The Wings dealt Walman to the NHL’s last-place Sharks on June 25, along with a 2nd-round pick, in exchange for “future considerations.” This transaction enabled Detroit to free up salary cap space in preparation for the upcoming free agency period, removing Walman’s $3.4 million salary from their financial commitments.
Pierre LeBrun from TSN reported that multiple teams are keen to engage in discussions with Steven Stamkos and his agent, Don Meehan. However, any potential impact on the veteran’s future hinges on whether he becomes available as a free agent on July 1. LeBrun specifically highlighted the Nashville Predators as a potential rival to Detroit in pursuing Stamkos.
