NHL beat writer proposes Detroit Red Wings trade targets after Derek Lalonde firing, names Trevor Zegras and $49.7M Sabres forward

The Detroit Red Wings fired coach Derek Lalonde and named Todd McLellan as his replacement on Thursday. In his column for The Athletic on Thursday, NHL beat writer Max Bultman discussed the Wings’ struggles this season. He suggested the Wings could consider trading for young forwards like Trevor Zegras from Anaheim Ducks or Dylan Cozens from Buffalo Sabres.

"So while Detroit is making changes, is there a young forward it can trade for whose contributions can come sooner?" Bultman wrote. "Trevor Zegras in Anaheim or Dylan Cozens in Buffalo would fit the bill as young players who have already proven they can hit 60-point offense in the NHL, but have seen their production dip of late."

Sabres center Dylan Cozens is in the first year of a seven-year, $49.7 million contract with a $7.1 million annual cap hit. Cozens has 17 points in 35 games this season, with 7 goals and 10 assists. Over his career, Cozens has 183 points in 315 games and is a reliable top-six forward.

Trevor Zegras is another option for Wings to consider. The Ducks forward has recorded 4 goals and 6 assists in 24 games this season. Zegras' career numbers show promise, with 59 goals and 105 assists in 235 games. Zegras is known for his creativity and offensive skills, which could help the Red Wings’ lineup.

Bultman’s suggested the need for Detroit to make changes. Adding players like Cozens or Zegras could improve their offense and provide long-term value. With Todd McLellan now leading the team, the Red Wings appear ready to make bold moves.

---

Detroit Red Wings fired head coach Derek Lalonde

The Detroit Red Wings' performance has been disappointing this season. They are No. 7 in the Atlantic Division standings with 17 losses, including four in overtime.

They have struggled defensively, allowing 3.27 goals per game, while their penalty kill is the league’s worst at 68.8%. Their power play, however, has been decent at 22.4%.

Lucas Raymond leads the Detroit Red Wings with 33 points, including 13 goals and 20 assists, but the team’s overall performance has been poor. After missing the playoffs last season, and a disappointing start, the Red Wings fired head coach Derek Lalonde and hired Todd McLellan, hoping for better results.

Todd McLellan had a 164-130-4 record in five seasons with the Kings. They made the playoffs in 2022 and 2023 but lost to the Oilers in the first round both times. He has worked with the Detroit Red Wings as an assistant coach from 2005 to 2008. During that term, he won the Stanley Cup in 2008.