Jake Walman trade: 5 realistic targets for Detroit Red Wings ft. Jake Guentzel

The Jake Walman trade to San Jose finalized by the Detroit Red Wings this week left many fans scratching their heads. While it's no secret that the franchise was likely going to have to make some tough decisions given their cap situation, the Jake Walman trade gave the Red Wings little in return for their postseason push.

Despite missing 19 games in each of the two most recent seasons, Walman had proven himself as one of the team's go-to defenders. Given that, fans around the league have been left to wonder why the Red Wings decided to part ways with Jake Walman.

The one answer fans and analysts alike keep coming back to is that the team is clearing up cap space to make some big moves. With the additional cap space, resigning players such as Patrick Kane, Shayne Gostisbehere, and David Perron becomes more realistic.

Despite that, the team will also have a chance to make some waves on the open market. On the heels of the Jake Walman trade, let's look at five potential targets for the Red Wings.

#5: Steve Stamkos

NHL: Stanley Cup Playoffs-Florida Panthers at Tampa Bay Lightning

While Steve Stamkos has spent the entirety of his NHL career with the Tampa Bay Lightning, however, he and the team haven't finalized a new deal yet. While Stamkos appears to be eager to remain with the Lightning, the expectation is that he would have to take a pay cut to do so.

Given the extra cap space cleared up from the Jake Walman trade, the Red Wings could look to make a run at the two-time Maurice Richard Trophy winner. This, of course, is a bit of a longshot considering Stamkos has deep ties to Tampa, however, crazier things have happened.

#4: Elias Lindholm

NHL: Stanley Cup Playoffs-Edmonton Oilers at Vancouver Canucks

Put simply, the Red Wings need forwards given the number of forwards on their roster set to hit free agency. With that in mind, the team could look to acquire Elias Lindholm, who had an impressive postseason run with the Canucks this year.

While the Canucks likely would prefer to retain him, given their cap situation, they seem unlikely to be able to meet his demands. On the flip side, as the Red Wings look to bolster their roster, he could be just what they need at the center position.

#3: Jonathan Marchessault

NHL: Stanley Cup Playoffs-Vegas Golden Knights at Dallas Stars

Adding a Conn Smythe winner to their roster would be quite the feather in the Red Wings' cap. While Marchessault will be 33 when free agency opens up on Jul. 1, the Red Wings could use his veteran leadership and his offensive play.

While he made it clear that he would like to stay in Vegas for the rest of his career, he also indicated that the situation is somewhat out of his control. Given that the team didn't hold extension talks last season, it seems likely that the two sides part ways.

#2: Sam Reinhart

NHL: Stanley Cup Final-Edmonton Oilers at Florida Panthers

It's an unlikely move, and one the Red Wings would have to get lucky with, however, if the Panthers can't extend Sam Reinhart, Detroit could offer him a big deal. While Reinhart made it clear after raising the Stanley Cup that he wants to stay in Florida, he would likely have to take a bit of a pay cut.

This isn't expected to be a deal breaker, however, if Reinhart decides to test the waters on the open market, one would think Detroit would have to make him an offer.

#1: Jake Guentzel

NHL: Stanley Cup Playoffs-New York Rangers at Carolina Hurricanes

Jake Guentzel is one of the best statistical performers of this free agency class, averaging more than one point per game. After spending the end of the season with the Hurricanes, the expectation is that the franchise will look to resign him.

On the heels of the Jake Walman trade, however, the Red Wings could have enough cap space to make him an enticing offer. Given that the team needs to bolster their forwards, Guentzel could not only be a great fit but also the star that helps fuel the Red Wings' success.