Detroit Trading Block: 2019 Offseason

[Shoalzie]

2019-20 Outlook:
Since I don't own my 2020 1st round pick, I'm looking to take one more run at making the playoffs. I'm going to squeeze what's left out of this group before doing anything drastic in the trade market. The depth in the East has improved in the past year and odds are I'm going to squeezed out of making a wild card spot again but I'm still going to give it a go.

Next summer could be the start of a large-scale retool with my roster. I'd rather hang onto my productive veterans for another year before I consider moving them for youth and/or futures. I want to see if I can get better production out of guys like Wennberg and Burakovsky rather than sell low on them now. I also don't want to move any of my early round picks in 2021 until next summer.

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On The Block:
Mikhail Sergachev

Comment: I've had several teams ask about him this summer and I've obviously declined all offers. Considering he's in the last year of his entry level deal and he's going to get an expanded role with the Lightning this year (pair with Hedman?), this would probably be the best time to move him if I ever do. I'm not saying I need to trade him but I'll at least listen to offers. My original plan was to shop him at our trade deadline because I'd like see what kind of production I could get out of him during the season.

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Open-Ended Offer:
Carter Hutton + Sergachev + 2019 Waiver 1st Rounder (9th Overall)
for
Established #1 goalie + Steady veteran defenseman

Comment: Whether I'm going to rebuild next year or not, I'm (again) concerned about my long-term goaltending. I wouldn't mind packaging Sergachev if can get me a goalie that I can use for the years ahead.

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Estimated Salary Cap Space:
Around $6.3 million

[Matthew]

A really nicely layed out block.

[Shoalzie]

Honestly, I'd stand pat this summer if not for the interest in Sergachev. I'm not looking to move other players because values are down on some and I'm not looking to sell off my better veterans (yet).

Plenty of contenders are interested in Sergachev so I figured that open it up for every team and see what's out there. I'm putting it at 30% that I trade him this summer. I'd rather move him in-season if I had my choice. I figure his next contract might make him a little less attractive to trade. To get a top-pairing young defenseman on a top team for less than $2 million is a great buy for any team up against the cap.

[Shoalzie]

Pretty good amount of inquiries...keep 'em coming. Not in a rush to make a decision and I'll make sure I work with everyone who reaches out.