REPORT: Xavier Ouellet On Trading Block

On TSN’s Insider Trading segment last night, hockey insider Bob McKenzie reported that the Red Wings have been calling teams to inform them that defenseman Xavier Ouellet is available for trade. See the (short) video below:

The 24-year-old left-handed defenseman was a 2nd round draft pick in 2011. He had a strong AHL stint with the Grand Rapids Griffins, where he put up 62 points in 183 games over the course of three seasons.

He broke into the NHL under Mike Babcock where he played 25 games through the 2013-14 and 2014-15 seasons, recording 3 points, 27 shots, and a plus-4 rating.

Ouellet earned a regular spot in the Red Wings lineup last year, when he averaged 17:58 of ice-time, scoring 3 goals and 12 points through 66 games.

This year, Ouellet’s role has been more sporadic as he’s been rotating in and out of the lineup with Nick Jensen. Due to the signing of Trevor Daley and Luke Witkowski, despite the latter ability to play forward as well.

Ouellet has one more year left on a contract that carries a cap hit of $1.25-million. He’s still young, so he should have a little more upside on a more developed blueline, but I don’t see him being anything more than a bottom-pairing defenseman.

Ken Holland shouldn’t have any issue moving him, but don’t expect a huge return. He’ll likely net a 3rd or 4th round draft pick. What Holland could do is package Ouellet with whichever goalie Detroit wants to part with, likely Petr Mrazek, to maximize the return they could get for a potential starting goalie. Then, they might be able to get some decent prospects and/or higher draft picks.

In any case, it sounds like Ouellet’s playing days with the Red Wings are close to done as the trade deadline looms. After seeing Joe Hicketts play in his first NHL game this week, fans are ready to see some changes on the blueline. Shipping out Ouellet and Mike Green will give some space for other young prospects who are ready to make the jump.