The Detroit Red Wings have made many trades that a lot of fans have questioned. They accomplished that on Tuesday as Detroit sent defenseman Jake Walman, and a second round pick, to the San Jose Sharks for future considerations. That's it. This trade left many to question General Manager Steve Yzerman and his thought process. So what was he thinking?
Red Wings trade Walman to Sharks
There may be a good reason for the trade but until Yzerman speaks, if he does, on the deal we are all left to many questions that deserve answers on why this move was made. A skilled defenseman with time left in the league traded for future considerations, and they also included a second-round pick in the deal? Is there something we do not know?
Did Walman seek a trade to get more playing time?
Walman was a top-pairing defenseman who spent time with Moritz Seider and was tremendous. Then last season, he spent time on the second and third pairings. Yes, his production slipped but he is still a solid defenseman who can contribute offensively. He is still young enough to make an impact on any defensive unit and be a player who can play in the top four and quarterback a power-play unit. His ice time declined but not due to his overall play and should see more time with the Sharks.
Is there a big move coming?
One explanation for this move is that Yzerman is clearing cap space for a big move, offensive or defensive. The draft is tonight and free agency starts on Monday so these could be reasons for the move. Detroit does have holes on offense, defense, and the goaltending position so a move of this size would indicate he is making room for an addition or two. However, if no move is in place, Yzerman traded a good offensive defenseman for future considerations. Yzerman may have some explaining to do.
Defense reconstruction
Another possible reason could be Yzerman wants to restructure the look of the defense and this would make little sense to move Walman. He was one of the best offensive defensemen on the team, he did a lot of community work, and he had a good cap hit. Other players on defense, including Olli Maatta, Justin Holl, and Ben Chiarot, have nothing to offer offensively. Chiarot has a bigger contract than Walman so he could have been moved. Holl and Maatta are depth pieces that could have been traded for future considerations. If Yzerman wants to make the defense better and more well-rounded that is one thing but why move one of the key pieces?
Yzerman has not had the best transaction record since he came to Detroit. This has to be the one with the most questions. Unless they are getting an elite goaltender, a proven NHL scorer, or a top-pairing defenseman, this trade makes no sense. This was a quality defenseman who produced offensively and was active in the community. Not only does this hurt Detroit, but it raises questions on Yzerman's behalf.