Tyler-Myers-10-1-14

Big defenseman Tyler Myers was the NHL's top rookie in 2009-10 but hasn't progressed like the Sabres had hoped.

(The Associated Press)

If the Detroit Red Wings make a trade this season -- chances are, they will – they need to upgrade their blue line.

The Red Wings are seeking a right-handed shooting, puck-moving defenseman, an area they tried to address through free agency on July 1 and by trade in the off-season.

Tyler Myers of the Buffalo Sabres tops their wish list.

Other defensemen figure to be available prior to the March 2 trading deadline.

M-Live readers inquired about the possibilities in this week's edition of "Ask Ansar!"

Q: Do you think the Wings will pull the trigger on a deal for Tyler Myers? What do you think it would take? – Mordecai

A: The Sabres are trying everything they can to garner more ping-pong balls for the 2015 draft lottery in their quest to land Connor McDavid, so they'll probably move the 6-foot-8 Myers at some point.

He fits the description of what the Red Wings need – a big, mobile, minute-munching right-handed shooter who can quarterback the power play. Myers hasn't been as strong since he won the Calder Trophy as the NHL's top rookie in 2009-10. But he's young (24) and has a tremendous upside.

He has five years remaining on his contract at a salary-cap hit of $5.5 million.

The Sabres asked the Red Wings for top prospect Anthony Mantha last summer but were told he's not available.

What would it take to get him? The Sabres probably don't want anyone that can help them right away – they can't risk winning too many games and reducing their lottery odds.

I don't think the Red Wings will part with center Dylan Larkin, their 2014 top pick, who might be a special player. And I don't think any team will relinquish its 2015 first-round pick unless it is absolutely assured of making the playoffs (can't risk moving the pick that could turn out to be McDavid).

The Red Wings would probably part with one of their top defense prospects – they won't have room for all of them when their waiver-exempt status expires in two years. Maybe they'd move their 2016 first-round pick. Other prospects besides Mantha, Larkin and Petr Mrazek could come into play.

Because they're in the same division with Buffalo, the Red Wings might have to pay more to acquire Myers.

Q: Would the Wings be interested in Jeff Petry? It seems the Oilers are trying to get rid of him and maybe we can get him on the cheap. – Bluejayfan

A: The Red Wings had interest in Petry last summer but balked at Edmonton's request for Darren Helm.

The Oilers are seeking a center in return. I don't think the Red Wings have a center they'd be willing to part with that would interest Edmonton.

Petry wouldn't cost nearly as much as Myers. Petry isn't as good as Myers, doesn't have as much offensive upside and will be an unrestricted free agent in July. His cap hit is $3.075 million.

If the Red Wings were to acquire Petry -- a 6-3, 200-pound right-handed shooter -- I think it would be closer to the trade deadline as a rental, after most other options are exhausted.

Q: The Red Wings need to upgrade their defense badly. Who are some players on the trading block that they might go after? – TheGuv14

A: Aside from Myers and Petry, other possibilities, among right-handed shooters, include Mike Green (Washington), Cody Franson (Toronto) and Zach Bogosian (Winnipeg). Some left-handed shooters the Red Wings have shown interest in include Keith Yandle (Phoenix) and Alexander Edler (Vancouver).

I thought the Capitals would move Green after they acquired Matt Niskanen on July 1. Maybe they'll deal him at the deadline as a rental since he's due to become a UFA on July 1. But if they're competing for a wild card playoff spot with the Red Wings, then they'd probably be hesitant to deal him to Detroit.

If the Maple Leafs fall out of playoff contention (generally a good bet), there's no reason why they'd keep Franson, who'll be a UFA in July. And if they're out of the postseason chase they'd probably have no qualms about dealing with Detroit.

The Red Wings have long been interested in Bogosian, whose name is frequently mentioned in trade rumors. But I don't know why the Jets would want to move him.

As for Yandle and Edler, while they would improve the Red Wings' defense, this team should focus on acquiring a right-handed shooter since all seven D-men on the roster shoot left.

Q: Why can't the Red Wings move Jakub Kindl? It would make room for (Xavier Ouellet, (Nick) Jensen or (Ryan) Sproul. -- Anderson

A: I don't know. Maybe his contract (three years at $2.4 million per season) scares potential suitors. Seems to me that's a reasonable deal for a 27-year-old former first-round pick who still has potential.

Kindl showed much promise in 2013 but has regressed. And with a bevy of promising blueliners in the system – five of them look like they will eventually play in the NHL – the Red Wings need to make room on their roster in the next couple of years.

Thanks for participating. If you have a Red Wings question, email me at akhan1@mlive.com.

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