You think they would trade him to a western conference team? I think it is more likely they move him to the east. I don't think many GMs want to work with/help Detroit get better
That's been part of the problem this summer, and I think a big reason why the Wings have been unsuccessful both in trade and in free agency. Nashville wouldn't trade with the Wings, Columbus wouldn't trade with the Wings, and I have serious doubts, barring a tremendous overpayment, that the Ducks would ever play ball with the Wings. Teams out East are just as interested and it beats playing them 4 to 6 times a season.
The Wings are still in the hunt, but their trade partners seem willing to wait for anyone but the Wings to make a substantial offer. Then again, that could be foil-hat paranoia (are the walls closing in, or is it just me?).
I keep hearing that Anaheim loves Flip... is this true or not? If that's the case, I say you package a deal to them that includes Filppula, Tatar, and a 1st rounder....
Ducks are known to be asking for a 2nd line center, and Filppula may be one of the best in the league in that slot. Whether they would be willing to take him as a rental and still consider it full-value remains to be seen. I'm a huge fan of Val, great talent and great work ethic. In a perfect world, the Ducks would take him plus plus, be unable to sign him, and the Wings would bring him back to play with Ryan next summer