Detroit Red Wings Rumors: Defenseman Becoming Trade Candidate

The Detroit Red Wings will be sellers at the 2023 NHL Trade Deadline, so many of their pending unrestricted free agents are starting to get attention on the trade market. According to NHL insider Frank Seravalli, one player who we could see on the move because of this is Jake Walman.

Trade Targets 🎯 #Blackhawks Jonathan Toews tumbles outside of the Top 10 as teams are concerned about impact of his illness.

We've got 45 names on the board, incl new guys #SeaKraken Carson Soucy, #RedWings Jake Walman, #Canucks Nils Hoglander + more ⬇️https://t.co/YS558xqto4
— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) February 16, 2023

Walman has quietly emerged as a legitimate top-six defenseman since joining the Red Wings, so it makes sense that he is garnering interest. The 26-year-old's reliable defensive play has also resulted in him receiving top-pairing minutes with Moritz Seider this season, so he has shown that he can handle a big role if needed. In 34 games this season, he has five goals, nine points, and a very solid plus-14 rating on a non-playoff Red Wings team.

As we inch closer to the deadline, expect a number of teams to pursue Walman if the Red Wings cannot ink him to an extension. This is especially true when players like Jakob Chychrun and Vladislav Gavrikov are off the board. Some possible landing spots for Walman include the Los Angeles Kings, Toronto Maple Leafs, Edmonton Oilers, and Tampa Bay Lightning.