Hockey Trade Rumors

A report out of Calgary last week had the Red Wings offering Valtteri Filppula, Jonathan Ericsson and a prospect to the Flames for Jay Bouwmeester. But it seemed like wishful thinking, at best.

Even disregarding the value of Filppula and Ericsson to the Red Wings, Bouwmeester is in the conversation mostly because of his disappointing play for the Flames.

He does not play physically, especially not up to his ample size, and his offensive skills have waned.

Bouwmeester is, in sum, a drastically overpaid, veteran defenseman capable of soaking up an average of 22 minutes.

As much as the Red Wings need help, it is doubtful they would trade prized scoring and playmaking, a developing young defenseman and more, for Bouwmeester.

And the Flames are unlikely to part with Bouwmeester for much less.

Meanwhile, with two recent injuries and also failing to acquire defensemen this summer, the Flyers are likely to compete with the Red Wings for Bouwmeester, keeping the price high.

A far more attractive acquisition through a big trade is Keith Yandle, the young mainstay for the Coyotes, who is signed through 2016.