NIkita Zadorov would make a great addition to the Red Wings defense
Vancouver Canucks defenseman Nikita Zadorov would be another massive pickup for the Red Wings and Yzerman. He, like Chatfield, brings a lot to the table and would fill several voids on the back end. At 6-foot-6 and 248 pounds, he brings much-needed size to the defense.
He can play the right or left side, he loves to play a physical game, and he can also produce offense. He would provide Detroit with a mean defenseman, something they have not had in a while.
Zadorov, a 16th overall pick of the Buffalo Sabres in the 2013 NHL Draft, could be a top-pairing defenseman with Moritz Seider which would be the duo that the Red Wings have been looking for. His last contract was a 2-year deal with $7.5 million.
Along with Chatfield, he may want a raise but together should fit nicely in the salary cap. Last season, he combined for six goals and 14 assists for 20 points and 125 penalty minutes between the Canucks and the Calgary Flames.
Both players would likely come close to $10 million for the two combined but it would also fill two big holes on defense.
Both players would give the Red Wings a new physical style of defense that could be their key to earning a playoff spot next season.
Detroit needs to upgrade their defense in the worst way and these moves would do that. The defense was a big issue last season and they need a new look with players who are defense first and play a mean style of hockey.
Yzerman knows what needs to be done to upgrade the defense for them to be successful and it starts with changes to the style they play. Chatfield and Zadorov are going to be available and the Red Wings have a golden opportunity to fix a defense that was average with two signings.