Detroit Trading Block: 2020-21

[Shoalzie]

I was going to hold off for a few weeks before I shop around players but I'd be foolish if I didn't at least say that I'm open to moving James van Riemsdyk.

He came off an average season but so far he's been of the most productive Flyers this season. He's tied for 3rd in the league in points. He's a $7 million player so I know that's not an easy contract to move. I'm fine with keeping him but if someone wants an offensive boost, come talk to me.

I'm at 50 contracts but I've got a fair amount of cap room. I'm open-minded in terms of which NHLer is coming back, preferably a forward. I'll take a downgrade/bad contract if I can get some draft capital in return.

My long-term goal is to collect draft picks while maintaining a functional lineup. I'm not doing a full tear-down/rebuild. I'll take my chances with a higher volume of picks rather than hoping I get lucky in the lottery. I'll post in 2-3 weeks which other players could be on the move. I don't really want to wait for the trade deadline to move players. My team's hopes for this year don't look promising so I'll look to shake things up very soon.

[Shoalzie]

I've given it a few weeks for things to play out. I don't have a good team but it can be a spoiler down the stretch. With a healthier lineup, the periphs have been solid in recent weeks and I've gotten decent goaltending from Bernier. Offense has been middle of the road at best.

I think van Riemsdyk is the only player worth moving to a contender. Big contract yes and he's over 30 but his production has to make him an attractive target. He can be streaky...through 18 games, he's got 8 multi-point games but only 4 games where he's been kept off the sheet.

I might consider moving one of my periph wingers if someone is willing to pay up...Archibald, Lazar and Nieto could be available but I'm not giving them away. They're on cheap contracts so they could be helpful. Even a guy like Ryan Lomberg (waiver exempt) has found a nice spot on the Panthers 4th line.

Draft capital and some younger NHLers would be ideal in return. Forwards and defense are acceptable.

I'm opting to not move guys like Stephenson, Wennberg and Burakovsky. Gusev has had a bad year, I don't want to sell low on him.

[Shoalzie]

Only a few more days until the deadline...I won't call any players "off limits". I'll listen to offers on anyone.

I will not be trading any of my 2022 1st and 2nd rounders.

Keep in mind, Stephenson is serving a suspension but he'd only miss Monday's game next week if I move him.