The Detroit Red Wings added a versatile striker in Oskar Sundqvist who could prove to be a solid secondary player.
Sundqvist, along with defender Jake Walman and a second-round pick in 2023, were acquired by Monday’s trade deadline in the deal that sent Nick Leddy to St. Louis. Louis Blues.
“It was an opportunity to bring in a bigger body playing on the right side, it’s a good penalty killer that we felt would improve,” said general manager Steve Yzerman. “He really suited a need for us, especially on the right wing and the size and ability to kill penalties.”
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The trade also fills a void after the Wings sent versatile striker Vladislav Namestnikov to the Dallas Stars for a fourth-round pick in 2024 because Sundqvist gives the Wings an experienced player who can play up and down the ranks.
He also brings leadership in the same way as Marc Staal and Sam Gagner. Sundqvist won the Stanley Cup in 2016 with the Pittsburgh Penguins and in 2019 with the Blues.
“We have received rave reviews about his character and his popularity in the locker room in St. Louis,” Yzerman said. “I’m very happy to hear, as is the addition of Marc Staal to our locker room – veterans who have been around and who are good guys who can really create a great atmosphere or help create a great atmosphere in the locker room. . “
Sundqvist, 27, is under contract until 2022-2023 with a $ 2.75 million salary cap, just a notch above Namestnikov’s $ 2 million hit. Sundqvist expects to become a good secondary rebuilding player, someone who can help mentor younger players while the Wings try to improve their competitiveness.
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