As the Detroit Red Wings continue to build for the future and pursue a playoff berth, general manager Steve Yzerman may be looking for ways to solidify his roster and make his team even more competitive. While much of the focus in trade rumors tends to center around high-profile players or big-name stars, there may be one under-the-radar option for the Red Wings that nobody is really talking about: **Colton Sissons** of the Nashville Predators.
Why Colton Sissons?
Sissons isn’t the flashy, high-scoring forward that will generate headlines, but he might just be the perfect fit for a team like the Red Wings. Here’s why:
1. **Cost-Effective and Reliable Depth**
The Red Wings are in the midst of a rebuild and will be looking to add pieces without breaking the bank. Colton Sissons, who is under contract through the 2025-2026 season with a very reasonable cap hit of $2.857 million, provides solid value for what he offers. He’s a middle-six center with a versatile skill set that would allow him to slide seamlessly into various roles on a Red Wings team in need of stability down the middle.
For a team like Detroit, who is looking to add depth without committing to a high-salaried contract, Sissons could be a low-risk, high-reward trade target. His contract is manageable, and he could offer quality minutes at a fraction of the price of some of the more expensive names that typically get linked to trade rumors.
2. **Two-Way Play and Leadership**
What really makes Sissons stand out is his two-way play. He’s a reliable defensive forward who can help on the penalty kill and win key faceoffs. For a team like Detroit, where improving defensive play and special teams has been a priority, acquiring a center who excels in these areas would be invaluable. Sissons isn’t going to light up the scoreboard, but his ability to contribute in a shutdown role, particularly when paired with Detroit’s younger players, makes him a solid fit for the team’s needs.
Additionally, Sissons brings leadership to the table. He’s spent his entire career with the Nashville Predators, having been with the organization since 2012. His experience in playoff battles and his leadership qualities would be beneficial for a young Red Wings squad that is looking for guidance and maturity. Having a player like Sissons who can help mentor the younger core would provide immense value beyond just his play on the ice.
3. **Predators’ Potential Motivation to Move Him**
The Nashville Predators are currently in a state of flux, navigating a rebuild/retool, and there have been murmurs that they may be willing to move veterans to create more cap space and ice time for their younger prospects. Sissons, who doesn’t have a massive contract, could be a player the Predators would be willing to trade to clear room for Nashville’s next wave of talent.
Given his contract and the Predators’ potential for a reshuffle, Detroit could swoop in and acquire him at a bargain price. Perhaps a mid-round draft pick or a depth prospect would be enough to get a deal done. For the Red Wings, adding Sissons would be a smart move for bolstering the middle of their lineup with little risk.
4. **A Complementary Piece for Detroit’s Youthful Core**
Sissons would slot perfectly behind Dylan Larkin and Andrew Copp in Detroit’s lineup, providing stability and depth down the middle. He could take on a third-line center role, which would allow the Red Wings to move prospects like Joe Veleno or Michael Rasmussen into more specialized roles on the wing or on the fourth line. This would improve the overall structure of the team without pushing the younger players into roles that may be too much too soon.
The Red Wings are in a position where they want to add experienced, affordable depth to support their young core, and Sissons fits that bill perfectly. He wouldn’t command top-six minutes, but he would contribute in a significant way as a reliable two-way presence.
What Would a Potential Trade Look Like?
While any trade package depends on the specifics of what each team wants to accomplish, Detroit could make a fair offer to Nashville without overpaying. A combination of a mid-round draft pick (such as a 3rd or 4th-round pick) along with a prospect who might need a fresh start could be enough to land Sissons. The Red Wings have an abundance of young talent in their system, which makes them a prime candidate to add a piece like Sissons without depleting their future.
Conclusion
As the Red Wings look to continue their rebuild and take the next step toward playoff contention, trading for a bargain player like Colton Sissons could be a shrewd move. His affordable contract, leadership, and ability to contribute both offensively and defensively make him a valuable asset to Detroit. While the trade chatter tends to focus on high-profile names, Sissons is the type of player who could help the Red Wings in the short term while also allowing the team to maintain flexibility for the future. Keep an eye on this potential under-the-radar move—it could be just what Detroit needs to solidify their roster for the final stretch of the season and beyond.
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