Detroit Red Wings star defenseman Moritz Seider remains unsigned as a restricted free agent (RFA), sparking trade speculation, including a proposed deal involving the Montreal Canadiens.
PuckPedia recently introduced a new tool called PuckGM, allowing users to create their own trades. One user suggested a blockbuster trade that would send Seider to the Canadiens.
**Proposed Trade:**
– **Red Wings receive:**
– Mike Matheson
– David Reinbacher
– Lane Hutson
– **Canadiens receive:**
– Moritz Seider
This potential trade would see Montreal acquire one of the NHL’s top young defensemen, albeit at a steep cost. Detroit would get Matheson, who has two years left on his eight-year, $39 million contract and could serve as a top-four defenseman or a trade asset at the deadline.
The key parts of the return are Reinbacher and Hutson, two highly regarded defensive prospects. Reinbacher, drafted fifth overall by Montreal in the 2023 NHL Draft, is expected to push for NHL minutes next season. Hutson, 20, made his NHL debut last season after being selected in the second round of the 2022 NHL Draft, recording two assists in two games.
Seider, a 23-year-old who was drafted sixth overall in 2019, would instantly become Montreal’s top defenseman. Last season, he tallied 9 goals and 33 assists for 42 points in 82 games and was the NHL Rookie of the Year in 2022.
Red Wings Coach Not Worried About Seider Not Being Signed
Seider has finished his three-year, $2.59 million entry-level contract with the Red Wings and has been a restricted free agent (RFA) since July 1. Despite not having a new contract, Red Wings coach Derek Lalonde isn’t concerned.
“I’m not worried,” Lalonde told The Detroit Free Press. “It’s all part of the process. I’ve dealt with RFAs before, and it’s just how it goes.”
Lucas Raymond, another key player for the Red Wings, is also an RFA. Lalonde is confident that a deal will be reached since both players are crucial to the team’s success.
“I’ve spoken with them a few times over the summer, but we haven’t discussed contracts,” Lalonde said. “That’s handled between Steve and them. For us, the focus is on moving forward and building the team. Clearly, those two are integral to that process.”
The Red Wings missed the playoffs last season and haven’t made it to the postseason since the 2015-16 season.
Huston Could See Time in AHL
In the proposed trade, a significant asset heading to Detroit is Hutson.
Despite making his NHL debut last season after turning pro, Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes mentioned on BPM Sports on August 27 that Hutson might play in the AHL next season.
“We don’t want to hide Lane Hutson. We aim for him to become the best defenseman he can be. If he needs to enhance his game and would benefit from playing in the AHL, we’ll send him to Laval,” Hughes stated in French (translated by DailyHive). “We won’t keep him in the NHL just to use him as a power play specialist.”
Playing in the AHL could help Hutson further develop as he adapts to professional hockey.
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