OT: Red Wings get Erik Cole from Stars

Submitted by Meson on

Red Wings get Erik Cole from Dallas for 2 prospects: Mattias Backman (22, playing in Sweden), Mattias Janmark (also 22, also playing in Sweden) and a second round pick for Cole and a third-rounder. Dallas gets their pick back if Cole plays a lot and Detroit makes it to the second round of the playoffs.

I think it's a great trade. They give up two guys who aren't even in Grand Rapids and a pick to get a power forward (even if he is a rental).

 

EDIT: Looks like if Detroit makes it to the conference finals Dallas gets the draft pick back, not the second round.

MaizeAndBlueWahoo

March 2nd, 2015 at 6:52 AM ^

I've read that theory and I'm not real conviced.  Nill left for Dallas before we drafted Janmark, and Janmark is the centerpiece of the deal.  No doubt he was in on some of the scouting process, but everything Janmark's done since we drafted him, Nill hasn't been privy to.

DFW_Michigan_Man

March 1st, 2015 at 8:11 PM ^

With Helm out and Mule unlikely to return. Cole is a solid winger with size, skill and grit. Still think they need to shore up the blue line considering the uncertainty of Quincey's health with the bone spurs in his ankle. Phaneuf is intriguing at the right price assuming Toronto picks up some of the salary, but expect a rental like Zidlicky.

Hotel Putingrad

March 1st, 2015 at 8:26 PM ^

his contract is market average compared to any UFA. he's only 29, and they have the cap space, especially if mule goes on long term injured reserve. they will not beat Tampa without an upgrade on defense, so if you're going to make a legitimate final run with Pav and Z, you do the deal. you cannot win the East without a slot-clearing beast like Dion.

DFW_Michigan_Man

March 1st, 2015 at 9:06 PM ^

And his physicality is something that is sorely needed come playoff time. For the right price, I would love to see Kenny swing for the fences and get Phaneuf. But his 7M cap number seems to be the sticking point. As long a Mantha/Larkin aren't in the deal I am fine with it. If they can he out from under the Weiss contract it would be wise as well.

Dilithium Wings

March 1st, 2015 at 8:11 PM ^

I've never been a fan of holding onto talent that is 4-5 years away (maybe), when you can have a proven player.

Nice to see Holland looking to improve and not standing pat while our competitors get better.

Baughlieve

March 1st, 2015 at 8:28 PM ^

He's a big body forward with some speed that can forecheck. Abdelkader, Cole, Glendening and Helm(if healthy), is a waive of forechecking that will annoy teams come playoff time. I wish we had also gotten Yandle, but the price was high. Phoenix was probably asking for a 1st and Mantha or Larkin.

TheDirtyD

March 1st, 2015 at 8:25 PM ^

Someone who gives them the size on a foreword line and knows how to win. He's won a cup and finished runner up to the wings. Excited pick up.

chrisp981

March 1st, 2015 at 8:35 PM ^

It's a good trade based on them needing a power forward.  I am wondering about Franzen's future.  I think he's had his fair share of concussions and I wouldn't mind seeing the Wings just leave him on LTIR and do with him what the Flyers have done with Pronger.  That will clear up some cap space to make a run at a top 4 D-man.  Hell, what do I know, Holland will probably stand pat and try to make a move in free agency now.

BlueLava009

March 2nd, 2015 at 9:03 AM ^

Uh, typically if you are 22 and still have not made your way Stateside and to Grand Rapids, most likely you wont coming to Detroit any time soon.  Further, Grand Rapids is full of talent right now and Babs and Holland were pretty clear they wont be giving up anyone they think is valuable, if they werent willing to give up one prospect maybe two for Yandle you think they are going to give a way future stars for Cole???

Ps, Detroit is like the Green Bay of the NHL when it comes to the draft, they find players everywhere, I nor anyone else should be worried about losing a LATE second round draft pick....

TheDirtyD

March 2nd, 2015 at 9:47 AM ^

Datsyuk was for a long time a massive under performer in the playoffs. I still love him I even named my dog Pavel. Sometimes your productive but not on the score sheet. He leads Dallas in plus minus and in hits and he only has taken 14 PIM. He's a big guy who's hard to play against who is responsible in his own zone. A trade also helps the rest of the team pick up the intensity.

alum96

March 1st, 2015 at 9:28 PM ^

I like it a lot - he leads the Stars in hits and plays on their top line.  Not many penalty minutes at all (14!) for a quite gritty guy.   For us he can be a 2nd or 3rd liner and the type of player you love to have on your team in the playoffs.   With Helm out, we can push Abbie up to the 1st line with Tatar and Pav and put Cole on the 2nd.  When (if) Helm is back can push someone down onto the 3rd line and get Jurco down to the 4th line. When Z comes back we could have one of the best 3rd lines in hockey. 

Added a top 6 (9) F for guys who are not top end prospects - even as a rental.  Wouldnt mind seeing him resigned for maybe 2 more years after this year (he can take Cleary's spot) ;), and just letting Franzen and his $4m go to long term injured reserve.

Hoping Helm makes it back in full health