Trade Pitch Lands Red Wings Former No. 5 Overall Pick, Bolstering Forward Depth in Offseason Shakeup…see more…
The Detroit Red Wings have made a significant move in their offseason retooling, acquiring a former fifth-overall pick forward in a trade pitch that could mark a turning point for their middle-six scoring depth. As the team continues its calculated ascent back into perennial playoff contention, this latest deal underscores general manager Steve Yzerman’s ongoing commitment to blending youthful upside with proven talent.
The Trade: A Calculated Investment
According to league sources close to the situation, the Red Wings acquired 24-year-old forward Barrett Hayton, the fifth overall pick in the 2018 NHL Draft by the Arizona Coyotes. In exchange, the Coyotes received a package including a 2025 second-round pick and prospect defenseman William Wallinder, who had spent the past season developing in Grand Rapids.
Hayton, who was once projected as a potential top-line center, had a rocky start to his NHL career but has recently shown signs of maturing into a well-rounded, two-way player. With the Coyotes deep in a full-scale rebuild and looking to stockpile future assets, Hayton became expendable. For Detroit, however, he represents a low-risk, high-reward acquisition who could thrive in a fresh environment.
Yzerman’s Blueprint Continues
Steve Yzerman, who has been patient yet proactive since taking over the Red Wings’ front office in 2019, seems to have pulled off another classic Yzerman move — acquiring a talented young player whose ceiling remains untapped. The trade echoes past deals for players like Robby Fabbri and Jakub Vrana, where Detroit bought low on forwards seeking redemption and renewed roles.
“Barrett is a player we’ve watched for some time,” Yzerman said in a statement released Wednesday afternoon. “We believe he has the skill and character to grow with our group. He can play center or wing, has been effective on both ends of the ice, and we feel his best hockey is still ahead of him.”
Hayton’s Path So Far
After being drafted 5th overall by Arizona in 2018 — ahead of players like Quinn Hughes and Adam Boqvist — Hayton faced immediate scrutiny. He was deemed a reach by some draft analysts, and his development was uneven, in part due to inconsistent ice time and coaching turnover within the Coyotes’ organization.
Still, Hayton showed flashes. His best season came in 2022–23 when he posted 19 goals and 43 points in 82 games while centering the Coyotes’ top line alongside Clayton Keller and Nick Schmaltz. However, an upper-body injury derailed much of his 2023–24 campaign, limiting him to just 35 games and 12 points.
Despite the setbacks, scouts remain optimistic. Hayton is lauded for his hockey IQ, faceoff ability, and commitment to a 200-foot game. In Detroit, he’ll be joining a group hungry for postseason relevance — and a coaching staff that may finally offer the role stability and developmental support he’s lacked.
Red Wings’ Forward Group Takes Shape
With this move, the Red Wings add another intriguing piece to a forward core that includes Dylan Larkin, Lucas Raymond, Alex DeBrincat, J.T. Compher, and Joe Veleno. Hayton is expected to compete for third-line center duties or possibly flank Compher on the wing, depending on how camp unfolds.
His presence also gives head coach Derek Lalonde more lineup flexibility, especially in matchups that demand stronger two-way play down the middle. Given Hayton’s penalty kill experience and reliable defensive metrics, he could quickly become a go-to option in late-game situations or on the second power-play unit.
Cap Implications and Contract Status
Hayton comes with a manageable $1.775 million cap hit for one more season before becoming a restricted free agent in 2026. With Detroit holding substantial cap space and several young players still on entry-level contracts, the move fits snugly into Yzerman’s carefully curated cap structure.
There’s also potential for an extension if Hayton finds his stride early. Should he evolve into the 40-50 point producer many believe he can be, locking him in on a mid-range deal would provide further value for a Detroit team inching closer to the salary cap ceiling as its rebuild matures.
Wallinder the Key for Arizona
For the Coyotes, the trade was largely about the future. Wallinder, a 6-foot-4 left-shot defenseman drafted 32nd overall in 2020, had a promising season in the AHL and has been on the cusp of NHL readiness. With Jakob Chychrun long gone and their blue line in flux, Arizona views Wallinder as a potential second-pair contributor within a season or two.
Coyotes GM Bill Armstrong stated, “William is a player we’ve had eyes on since his draft year. We believe he has NHL tools and will continue to develop into a reliable defenseman for us. Combined with the second-round pick, this deal aligns with our long-term vision.”
Fan Reaction: Cautious Optimism in Hockeytown
Red Wings fans reacted positively — albeit cautiously — to the move. While Hayton’s pedigree is undeniable, many are mindful of the stalled progress he’s experienced since entering the league. That said, there’s excitement around the idea of unlocking his potential under a more structured and supportive system.
“I like it,” said one fan on Reddit. “He’s still young, and Yzerman’s track record with these kinds of trades has been mostly solid. Low cost, and if he pops, he could be a huge addition.”
Another fan added: “He fits the age curve of our core, and we need more guys who can win draws and play responsibly. Not flashy, but smart.”
Looking Ahead
The move for Hayton marks one of what’s expected to be several strategic offseason decisions for Detroit. With the NHL Draft approaching and free agency looming, Yzerman and his staff remain poised to fine-tune the roster with playoff contention in sight.
Whether Hayton becomes the next great reclamation success or a footnote in Detroit’s rebuild will depend on how quickly he adapts — and whether the Red Wings can offer the consistency and opportunity his early years lacked.
One thing is clear: the Red Wings are done waiting quietly in the wings. With bold moves like this, they’re signaling that the rebuild is giving way to resurgence — and Barrett Hayton is now part of that vision.
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