Buffalo Sabres fans, brace yourselves—one of the wildest trade proposals yet has surfaced, and it involves one of your franchise cornerstones. As the offseason looms, speculation is heating up around the Detroit Red Wings and their potential blockbuster moves, with some suggesting that a beloved Sabres defenseman could be at the center of a game-changing deal. But would Buffalo really part ways with the former first-overall pick. And would Detroit be willing to pay the high price to land the defenseman
The Trade Proposal
A fan using PuckPedia’s PuckGM tool has put forth a bold offseason trade idea that would see the Red Wings make a significant move to bolster their blue line. Here’s how the deal would break down:
Red Wings receive:
- Owen Power
Sabres receive:
- Erik Gustafsson (D)
- Michael Rasmussen (F)
- Nate Danielson (F, prospect)
- 2025 first-round pick (top-10 protected)
The trade would be a blockbuster, with Detroit giving up two NHL players, a top prospect, and a valuable first-round pick in exchange for Power, who is considered one of the best young defensemen in the league.
Why Detroit Would Make the Move
Owen Power, the first overall pick in the 2021 NHL Draft, has quickly become a key piece of Buffalo’s defensive core. In the first year of his seven-year, $58.45 million contract, Power has recorded 6 goals and 26 assists for 32 points in 65 games this season. Adding him to Detroit’s lineup would provide a significant boost to their defensive unit, which has been searching for a long-term star on the back end.
For the Red Wings, who are pushing hard to return to the playoffs for the first time since 2016, adding a young, elite defenseman like Power could be a move that accelerates their rebuild under GM Steve Yzerman. The franchise is known for making bold moves, and this deal would be among the biggest in recent memory.
What Buffalo Would Get in Return
On the other side of the deal, Buffalo would receive multiple assets in exchange for their young defenseman. Erik Gustafsson, a veteran defenseman, would provide immediate depth on the blue line. He is currently in the first year of a two-year, $4 million contract and could serve as a reliable third-pairing option.
Michael Rasmussen, a former first-round pick (9th overall, 2017), would slot into Buffalo’s lineup as a third-line center. The 24-year-old forward has put up 10 goals and 7 assists for 17 points in 61 games this season and brings size and two-way ability to the Sabres’ forward corps.
Nate Danielson, Detroit’s ninth-overall pick in 2023, is a highly touted prospect with strong two-way potential. He has recorded 9 goals and 23 assists for 32 points in 59 games this season in the WHL and could compete for an NHL roster spot in Buffalo as early as 2025.
The first-round pick (top-10 protected) in the 2025 NHL Draft would further bolster Buffalo’s future assets, giving them another shot at securing high-end talent to build around.
Owen Power’s Trade Rumors: Fact or Fiction?
Power’s name has been floated in trade rumors before, particularly as Buffalo appears set to miss the playoffs once again. NHL insider Jeff Marek previously hinted that Power was a player to watch as the trade deadline approached.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if we see something happen (trade-wise) with Owen Power,” Marek said on Sekers and Price before the deadline.
Ultimately, Buffalo opted to hold onto Power, recognizing his immense value as a young cornerstone defenseman. He currently plays on the Sabres’ second pairing alongside Connor Clifton and remains a critical piece of their future.
Red Wings’ Offseason Plans
Regardless of whether this trade ever materializes, one thing is clear—Detroit is gearing up for a busy offseason. Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman has made it clear that he is focused on making improvements to push the team back into postseason contention.
“I’m going to continue doing what I think is right and here at the deadline, over the course of the summer, at the draft, and always do that,” Yzerman said. “I want to make the playoffs. I want to win a Stanley Cup as much as anybody in this city, and I take full responsibility for where we’re at today. I’m going to make the best decisions that I can for us, short-term and long-term.”
The Red Wings are currently battling for a playoff spot with a record of 31-29-6, sitting four points out of a Wild Card berth. Whether or not they make the postseason, expect Detroit to be aggressive in the summer as they continue to reshape their roster.
The Verdict: Would Buffalo Ever Move Power?
While the proposed trade certainly provides food for thought, it remains unlikely that Buffalo would move a young, highly talented defenseman like Power unless the return was overwhelming. The Sabres have struggled to find stability on their blue line for years, and Power was drafted to be a key piece of their long-term plans.
Detroit fans may love the idea of landing a top-tier young defenseman, but for now, it seems more like an ambitious fantasy than a realistic possibility. However, if Buffalo ever decides to shake things up and listen to offers, expect the Red Wings to be among the teams making a serious push.
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