Blackhawks & Red Wings Can Be Trade Partners After Copp Injury

The Detroit Red Wings suffered a blow to their team when it was announced that Andrew Copp had surgery and would miss the remainder of the 2024-25 season. This comes in the midst of a playoff chase as the Red Wings are trying to get back into the playoffs for the first time since the 2015-16 season.

There is now a hole to fill for the playoff hopeful Red Wings, and since they aren't a serious contender, it is better to assume a roster addition to replace Copp for the remainder of the season is on the cheaper side. This is where the Chicago Blackhawks come in.

The Blackhawks have some trade assets, but the player that fits Detroit's immediate needs is Ryan Donato. While there is still a chance Chicago gets him re-signed, it becomes clearer with every passing day that the team won't be able to. There's no logical reason to keep Donato without a contract through the trade deadline.

That being said, the Blackhawks should be seeing if there's interest in Donato by the Red Wings now. Copp and Donato are different players, but that's okay if Donato can still do a job and continue playing similarly to how he has this season with the Blackhawks.

Donato wouldn't have the same role in Detroit and I believe both teams know that, so that may limit the return to Chicago. It was initially believed that he would go for a third round pick, and while the 28-year-old has played very well this season, I think that's still the asking price.

Donato would likely be more useful on the Blackhawks with a new contract than what a third round pick will do for the team to help them out of their rebuild. But as I mentioned, if he doesn't have a new contract by the deadline, Chicago has to get what they can for him. Due to the Red Wings' situation, another team should be added to the potential destinations.

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