Wild acquire Oskar Sundqvist from Red Wings: Why both teams made the deal

June 11, 2024

By Joe Smith, Shayna Goldman and Max Bultman

The Minnesota Wild acquired center Oskar Sundqvist from the Detroit Red Wings in exchange for a fourth-round pick in this year’s draft, the teams announced Friday. Here’s what you need to know:

Sundqvist has 21 points (seven goals, 14 assists) through 52 games for Detroit this season.
The 28-year-old joined the Red Wings in 2021 after four-plus seasons with the Blues.
He was drafted in 2012 in the third round by Pittsburgh, where he spent the first two seasons of his NHL career.

The trade deadline is Friday at 3 p.m. ET: Follow here for live updates.

Why did the Red Wings trade Sundqvist?

He’s a pending unrestricted free agent, so it looks like another case of getting something before a player leaves in the summer. Sundqvist played a real role for Detroit, though — often playing on both special teams — so seeing him go for merely a fourth-rounder is a nice bit of business for the Wild. It wouldn’t have been shocking to see Detroit even consider extending him, given his role and Cup pedigree. Instead, the team gets another pick and clear a lineup spot, which will allow it to bring up a young forward — possibly towering rookie winger Elmer Söderblom, who has spent the year between the AHL and NHL. — Bultman

How he fits with the Wild

Sundqvist fits the Wild identity of being hard to play against. He brings size (6-foot-3, 220 pounds) and championship experience from his time with the Blues. With Jordan Greenway dealt to the Sabres, Sundqvist can help fill in up front. Plus he is able to play on both special teams units. Minnesota only had to give up a fourth-rounder, and he’s a pending UFA, so it’s not a huge investment for what they hope can be a helpful add for the playoffs. — Smith

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(Photo: Rick Osentoski / USA Today)

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