Recent reports indicating Utah's interest in potentially trading forward Nick Schmaltz could open interesting window for the Red Wings.
The Utah Mammoth are looking to add size and grit according to recent insider reports and this could open the door for the team parting with a longtime fixture that could be available on the trade block in forward Nick Schmaltz.
The 29-year-old has established himself as a very productive forward with 58 or more points in four straight seasons and could be moved as he's entering the final season of his seven-year deal with an annual cap hit at $5.8 million per season. The Detroit Red Wings have been notably looking for possible additions to the top of their lineup and Schmaltz could work as an option.
Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman shared on Sunday's edition of his podcast '32 Thoughts' that the Mammoth went out and got size with players like Brandon Tanev but are looking to keep adding in this department. The Mammoth have made several big moves already this offseason like adding a young goal-scorer in JJ Peterka from the Buffalo Sabres.
"I still think they need some meat up there, they're still slightly meatless," Friedman said jokingly "Tanev helps, but I would like to see a little bit more."
He would go on to expand on the comments by mentioning Schmaltz and his uncertain role within the franchise and what the future could hold for the former 20th overall pick in the 2014 Draft.
"One name I'm curious about is Nick Schmaltz, Nick is heading into the last year of his current deal, $5.85 million and I'm wondering why his future is there," Friedman asked "Do they see him as a long time, mammoth? or did they see maybe moving him to see what else what they could do for him."
The Red Wings would love to add more scoring after finishing in the bottom 11 in goals per game average last season and used most of their offseason moves on offence in James van Riemsdyk, Patrick Kane as well as a depth piece in Mason Appleton. Detroit has more than one large bodied forward in their lineup with both Michael Rasmussen and Elmer Soderblom, who stand at 6-foot-6 and 6-foot-8 respectively.
The move would be a bold one as the pair of towering forwards are both still very young and Detroit GM Steve Yzerman will likely want to see them continue to develop but a short-term fix for scoring over the next few season could be Schmaltz if Yzerman wants to go in that direction.
