Detroit Red Wings star defenseman Moritz Seider is still unsigned as a restricted free agent (RFA), and there’s been speculation about a potential trade. On PuckPedia’s new tool, PuckGM, a user suggested a blockbuster trade where the Red Wings would send Seider to the Montreal Canadiens.
Red Wings acquire:
Mike Matheson
David Reinbacher
Lane Hutson
Canadiens acquire:
Moritz Seider
The proposed trade would be a blockbuster, as Montreal would land one of the NHL’s top young defensemen in Moritz Seider, but the cost would be significant.
Detroit would receive Mike Matheson, who has two years remaining on his eight-year, $39 million contract. Matheson could step in as a top-four defenseman for the Red Wings and potentially serve as a trade asset at the deadline.
The more substantial part of the return includes two highly regarded defense prospects: David Reinbacher and Lane Hutson. Reinbacher, drafted fifth overall by Montreal in the 2023 NHL Draft, could push for NHL minutes as soon as next season. Hutson, a 20-year-old who made his NHL debut last season, was drafted in the second round of the 2022 NHL Draft. In his 2 games with the Canadiens, he recorded 2 assists.
As for Seider, the 23-year-old defenseman, selected sixth overall in the 2019 NHL Draft, remains an unsigned RFA. He would instantly become Montreal’s top defenseman after posting 9 goals and 33 assists for 42 points in 82 games last season. Seider also won the NHL’s Rookie of the Year award in 2022.
Red Wings Coach Not Worried About Seider Not Being Signed
Moritz Seider recently completed his three-year, $2.59 million entry-level contract with the Detroit Red Wings and has been a restricted free agent (RFA) since July 1. Despite the lack of a new deal, Red Wings head coach Derek Lalonde has expressed confidence that the situation will be resolved.
“I’m not worried,” Lalonde told The Detroit Free Press. “It’s all part of it. I’ve had some experience with RFAs in the past, and this is just part of the process.”
Another key player for Detroit, Lucas Raymond, is also an RFA. Lalonde remains optimistic that deals for both players will eventually be finalized, emphasizing their importance to the team.
“I’ve talked with them two to three times during the summer, and we don’t even discuss the contract,” Lalonde said. “That’s between Steve [Yzerman] and them. Our focus is on progressing, continuing to build, and obviously, those two guys are a big part of it.”
The Red Wings missed the playoffs last season, extending their postseason drought to eight years, as they haven’t qualified since the 2015-16 season.
Huston Could See Time in AHL
In the proposed trade, one of the notable assets heading to Detroit is Lane Hutson. Despite making his NHL debut last season, Hutson may spend the upcoming year in the AHL. Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes hinted at this possibility during an August 27 interview on BPM Sports.
“I don’t want to hide Lane Hutson. We want Lane Hutson to become the best defenseman he can be,” Hughes said (translated from French by DailyHive). “If he needs to improve his game and is better off in the AHL, we’ll send him to Laval. We won’t keep him in the NHL just to use him as a power play specialist.”
Playing in the AHL would provide Hutson with additional development opportunities as he adjusts to the professional game.
