Devils trade D Marek Zidlicky to Red Wings for draft pick
The Detroit Red Wings added to their defense before the NHL trade deadline by adding Marek Zidlicky from the New Jersey Devils.
By
Adam Gretz
•
1 min read
For most of Monday morning the Detroit Red Wings were rumored to be in the running for Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Dion Phaneuf, but were apparently unwilling to meet Toronto's demands and unable to make things work financially.
So instead of taking on that sort of commitment, they turned to their Plan B: New Jersey Devils defenseman Marek Zidlicky.
The Red Wings acquired Zidlicky, who had to waive his no-trade clause, from the Devils for a conditional third-round draft pick that could turn into a second-round pick depending on how far they go in the playoffs.
In 63 games this season the 38-year-old Zidlicky has four goals and 18 assists. It is the second trade for the Red Wings in as many days after they picked up Erik Cole from the Dallas Stars on Saturday for a draft pick and two prospects.
Even though the Red Wings' defense has undergone a significant rebuild in recent years with the retirements of Nicklas Lidstrom and Brian Rafalski, as well as other changes, they remain one of the best defensive teams in the league and are currently in the top-10 across the league in goals against per game, shots against per game and the penalty kill.
Adding Zidlicky, a right-handed puck-mover to that mix, is only going to help that even if he isn't quite as mobile as he was a few years ago.
