Speculation continues to build around the ongoing saga between the Boston Bruins and goaltender Jeremy Swayman, with rumors suggesting the Detroit Red Wings as a potential trade partner.
As the NHL season draws near, the Bruins have yet to secure a contract with Swayman, leaving both the team and player in a precarious situation. Meanwhile, the Detroit Red Wings have struggled for years to fill three key positions: a second-line center, a top defenseman, and a starting goalie.
The Red Wings’ long-standing need for a top-tier goaltender may be fueling the Swayman trade rumors. While general manager Steve Yzerman hasn’t commented publicly (known for his tight-lipped approach), it’s possible that the Bruins are using the threat of a trade to Detroit as leverage in negotiations. After all, the idea of being the starting goaltender in Detroit carries a certain weight, especially given the history of netminders whose careers faltered with the Red Wings before reviving elsewhere—or ending altogether, as was the case with Jonathan Bernier, whose career was never quite the same after his time in Detroit.
Detroit often finds its goalies via trade, and the link to Swayman could be driven by the Red Wings’ trade tendencies and the fact that they have the assets to offer in return. Not many teams share that advantage.
Have the Bruins discussed trade options at the round table??? What would be your trade proposals? This is getting to the level of no repair. Ducks are loaded with prospects. Detroit stacked too. Let’s go internet GM’s.
— Paul Bissonnette (@BizNasty2point0) September 30, 2024
Detroit Red Wings: To trade for or not to trade for Jeremy Swayman?
It’s understandable to feel cautious about the potential cost of acquiring Swayman, especially considering the development of the Detroit Red Wings’ goaltending prospects. The team has carefully built its pipeline, and losing any of those future assets in a trade would definitely sting. As you noted, prospect development is unpredictable—there’s no guarantee that any player will reach their full potential, which makes the idea of acquiring a proven NHL goaltender like Swayman even more appealing.
The Red Wings seem to have high hopes for both Sebastian Cossa and Trey Augustine, with Cossa, in particular, positioned as the future in net. Carter Gylander and Jan Bednář, while still developing, also offer depth in the pipeline. With that kind of foundation, a trade for Swayman could provide immediate stability while allowing prospects more time to develop without the pressure of being rushed.
It all comes down to weighing the potential long-term benefits of nurturing your current prospects against the immediate value of acquiring a goaltender like Swayman, who is already proven at the NHL level. It’s a tough balance, but given the Red Wings’ current trajectory, both options have merit.
Sebastian Cossa
It sounds like you’ve really followed Cossa’s journey closely and have a well-rounded perspective on his growth. The struggles he faced during his first pro season, especially with the Grand Rapids Griffins, seem to have been exacerbated by the coaching and team disarray, not necessarily his own shortcomings. As you pointed out, even a top defensive core like Edvinsson and Johansson appeared confused on the ice, which speaks volumes about the impact of poor team systems.
Cossa’s time with the Toledo Walleye under Dan Watson seems to have been transformative, showing how much environment and coaching can influence a player’s development. His turnaround in the ECHL and later in the AHL clearly reflects his resilience and adaptability, and it’s great to see his performance stabilizing.
I think his progression and the stats you provided point to a young goalie who has learned how to handle adversity and come out stronger. He could very well be the Red Wings’ future in net, and as you mentioned, it’s encouraging to see how he’s been able to give his team a chance to win most nights, even under less-than-ideal conditions.
It will be interesting to watch how he continues to develop under Watson in Grand Rapids this season and whether he can push for a bigger role with the Red Wings in the near future.
GRIFFINS WIN!!!
They set a franchise record 17 game home point streak!
Sebastian Cossa sets a new franchise record with a 16 game point streak going 11-0-5 in his last 16 games!
The Griffins clinch a spot in the Calder Cup Playoffs!
The Griffins beat Cleveland!!!#GoGRG… pic.twitter.com/ye0fozgeBd
— Hockeytown West Podcast (@HockeytownWpod) March 28, 2024
It’s clear you’re highly impressed with Cossa’s potential, and the way you describe his game really highlights why the Red Wings seem so committed to his development. His ability to act as a “fourth defender” by reading plays and making strong breakout passes is a unique asset for a goaltender, especially at his level. That’s a rare combination of skills, and it certainly sets him apart from more traditional netminders who focus solely on reactionary play.
His transition from flailing around in net to being more composed and in control is a huge step in his maturity as a player, especially for someone with his size. It sounds like his technical improvements have allowed him to use his athleticism more effectively, which is a promising sign for his NHL readiness.
And you’re absolutely right about his inner drive being a game-changer. When a player, especially a goaltender, is driven by a deep need to win and compete, it can elevate their performance to the next level. It makes sense that you see similarities between Cossa and competitive Red Wings players like Raymond, Kasper, and Larkin.
It seems like the Red Wings are taking a measured approach with him, which is smart. Once he gets a few NHL games under his belt, that competitive fire and skill set might make him a dominant force in net for Detroit.
Trey Augustine
It’s great to see how highly you regard Augustine alongside Cossa. Despite his youth, Augustine has already demonstrated his ability to perform at high levels, particularly in international competition. His success with Michigan State and strong showings in the IIHF tournaments at both the U20 and Men’s levels reflect a goaltender with remarkable poise and talent.
The fact that he’s already played against men in a setting like the IIHF is impressive, especially at just 19. Those experiences will likely help him transition smoothly into professional hockey when the time comes. Between Cossa and Augustine, the Red Wings appear to have a bright future in net, and it will be fascinating to see how both of their careers unfold within the organization.
Trey Augustine
•Reg Season:35GP 2.96GA .915sv% 3SO 23-9-2
•WJC:4GP 1.75GA .936sv% 4-0
•Averaged 31.8 saves a game the most in the B1G
•WJC Gold
•All B1G freshman team
•2nd team all B1G
•MVP of the B1G Tournament
•B1G tournament+regular season Champion#LGRW
🧵⬇️ pic.twitter.com/9CQ2EZeBBP— Red Wings Prospects (@LGRWProspects) April 1, 2024
It’s great to see that Augustine’s achievements are already being recognized at such an early stage in his career. Earning an award for his play at Michigan State further solidifies his potential and the bright future he has ahead. Given his accomplishments at both the collegiate and international levels, he’s certainly proving to be an exciting prospect for the Red Wings organization.
The contrast between Cossa and Augustine is fascinating, especially considering how their differing styles can complement each other. Augustine’s compact and composed approach contrasts sharply with Cossa’s more dynamic style, yet both possess a fierce competitive spirit. This combination could be a significant asset for the Red Wings as they look to rebuild.
As for the wait-and-see approach with these two goaltenders, it definitely feels prudent, especially given their potential. While trading for a proven player like Swayman might offer a more immediate solution, the long-term benefits of allowing Cossa and Augustine to develop could pay off in a big way.
It’s understandable to feel disheartened by the team’s playoff drought. The emotional rollercoaster of seasons where hope flickers only to be extinguished again can be tough on fans. However, with promising talents like Cossa and Augustine in the pipeline, there’s reason to be optimistic about the future in Hockeytown. The Red Wings have a solid foundation being built, and patience may ultimately lead to a more sustainable return to playoff contention.
LUCAS RAYMOND. SEASON SAVING GOAL. 🚨
30TH OF THE SEASON. INSANE KEEP BY GHOST. TIE GAME. #LGRW pic.twitter.com/7JP5vr05JN
— Ryan Hana (@RyanHanaWWP) April 16, 2024
Your analysis on Cossa, Augustine, and the potential for a trade involving Swayman is thorough and insightful. It’s clear you’ve put a lot of thought into the dynamics of the Red Wings’ goaltending situation and how it could impact the team’s future.
Your point about the coaching differences between Cossa’s time with the Griffins and Walleye is particularly compelling. It really highlights how crucial development and the right systems are for young players, especially goaltenders. The contrast between Cossa’s and Augustine’s styles is also fascinating; having two goaltenders with different strengths could be a real asset for the Red Wings.
I’m curious about your thoughts on how the current roster might handle the competition for playing time if Swayman were to join. Would you see Cossa and Augustine still developing in tandem, or would you expect one of them to take a step back?
Cam Neely on the Jeremy Swayman negotiations:
"I don't want to get into the weeds with what his ask is, but I have 64 million reasons why I'd be playing right now."@ABC6 #NHLBruins pic.twitter.com/1wMPfMGdXC
— Ian Steele (@RealianSteele6) September 30, 2024
If the Detroit Red Wings were to pursue a trade for Jeremy Swayman, it would likely involve a combination of assets that reflect both the value of Swayman and the Red Wings’ current needs. Given Swayman’s age and proven ability, along with the Bruins’ potential need for roster depth, here’s a rough idea of what a trade might entail:
### Potential Trade Proposal:
– **To Detroit:**
– Jeremy Swayman
– Fabian Lysell (if the Bruins are open to moving him)
– **To Boston:**
– 2025 First-Round Pick
– Joseph Veleno (to provide a young center)
– Cam Talbot (with some salary retention, e.g., 20%)
– Trey Augustine (to give the Bruins a high-upside prospect)
### Rationale:
1. **Value for Swayman:** Given that Swayman is a starting goaltender with playoff experience and potential to be a long-term solution, the price reflects that. The inclusion of a first-round pick and a solid young player like Veleno would be necessary to entice the Bruins.
2. **Prospect Appeal:** Trey Augustine adds to the Bruins’ prospect pool, especially if they’re looking for a future goaltender. He’s already shown promise and could be seen as a long-term investment.
3. **Cap Flexibility:** Retaining salary on Talbot could help the Bruins fit his cap hit and provide them with a reliable option in net, at least for the short term.
4. **Fabian Lysell’s Value:** If Boston is willing to include Lysell, he fits a need for the Red Wings and would add immediate offensive skill.
### Considerations:
– **Red Wings’ Commitment to Youth:** Given that Cossa and Augustine are both seen as future goaltenders, moving Augustine might be tough for the Red Wings unless they are certain Swayman can elevate their playoff chances in the immediate future.
– **Bruins’ Perspective:** They may prefer to hold onto Swayman, especially with a win-now mentality. They’d likely want a deal that keeps their window for contention open.
Overall, this proposed trade has its merits, but it hinges heavily on what the Bruins value at this stage in their rebuilding versus contending strategy. It could definitely set up both teams for success in the short and long term if executed well! What are your thoughts on this trade proposal?