Stars Ship Erik Cole to the Red Wings.

The Dallas Stars have traded left wing Erik Cole and a conditional third-round pick in 2015 to the Detroit Red Wings in exchange for a second-round pick in 2015 and Swedish prospects Mattias Backman and Mattias Janmark.

Detroit Red Wings acquire Erik Cole.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: With forwards Henrik Zetterberg, Johan Franzen and Darren Helm currently sidelined, it was speculated the Red Wings could put more of a priority upon landing a physical forward with a decent scoring touch than a top-four defenseman. This move bears out that thinking.

Cole, 36, is an eight-time 40-plus point player who is on pace to reach 25 goals and 45 points this season. He also led the Stars in hits this season so his physical style will be most welcome on the Wings.

Cole is slated to be an unrestricted free agent in July. It remains to be seen if he’ll return with the Stars this summer, but this move suggests management is waving the white flag over its playoff chances by shipping him out before the trade deadline. They get a decent return in two prospects and a second-rounder.

2 Comments

Rocky on March 2, 2015 at 2:15 am

A decent pick up for the Wings, and not a costly one, who can probably be useful for the playoffs.

As it’s been reported that the Sharks are showing interest in Dion Phaneuf, and given the fact that a new goaltender is probably needed as well, I am feeling that a Bernier-Phaneuf tandem heads to San Jose for Niemi, Kennedy, Irwin and a first or second, with Toronto picking up 1/3 of Phaneuf’s salary. Toronto gets it’s cap squared away, is rich enough to absorb the salary kick-back, get’s a decent 3rd-liner and a good draft pick. Sharks get a goalie and some leadership. I also like Irwin, and I think he could still develop into a good Dman. However, I am not the expert on salary matters like some folks here, so not sure if it works monetarily for both teams. Also I think Niemi would be a good back up goalie if retained by TO.

D Mart on March 2, 2015 at 4:07 am

Exactly what they needed. Kudos to Babcock for laying it out for Kenny boy. Wings could do themselves some more good by shopping Weiss and Kindl for draft picks and a rental D or in my dream somehow getting Kampfer from FL. Also, for the right return, Monster has shown he can help a team as well.

Rocky on March 2, 2015 at 2:15 am

A decent pick up for the Wings, and not a costly one, who can probably be useful for the playoffs.

As it’s been reported that the Sharks are showing interest in Dion Phaneuf, and given the fact that a new goaltender is probably needed as well, I am feeling that a Bernier-Phaneuf tandem heads to San Jose for Niemi, Kennedy, Irwin and a first or second, with Toronto picking up 1/3 of Phaneuf’s salary. Toronto gets it’s cap squared away, is rich enough to absorb the salary kick-back, get’s a decent 3rd-liner and a good draft pick. Sharks get a goalie and some leadership. I also like Irwin, and I think he could still develop into a good Dman. However, I am not the expert on salary matters like some folks here, so not sure if it works monetarily for both teams. Also I think Niemi would be a good back up goalie if retained by TO.
D Mart on March 2, 2015 at 4:07 am

Exactly what they needed. Kudos to Babcock for laying it out for Kenny boy. Wings could do themselves some more good by shopping Weiss and Kindl for draft picks and a rental D or in my dream somehow getting Kampfer from FL. Also, for the right return, Monster has shown he can help a team as well.