Steve Yzerman stops a massive upcoming trade with Pittsburgh

The Detroit Red Wings could make it to the playoffs for the first time since 2016. They are holding on to the first Wild Card spot in the Eastern Conference. With 21 games remaining to their season, they'll do everything they can to make sure they reach the playoffs.

With that in mind, it wouldn't be surprising to see Steve Yzerman, the general manager, make major moves before the deadline, on Friday.

Detroit Red Wings to Pursue Jake Guentzel at the Deadline?

The Penguins' top forward Jake Guentzel is set to become a free agent after the season, and moving him could really benefit Pittsburgh. Many teams are reportedly interested, but something could come in the way of the Red Wings pulling all the stops to get the veteran.

Indeed, Guentzel's upcoming free agents status could complicate things. Yzerman could be hesitant to pay a big price for a loan, but equally hesitant to give him the big extension that the player wants.

If Dubas, the Penguins' GM, wants the best deal possible, he'll likely aim to ensure that Guentzel isn't just a short-term loan but comes with a contract extension.

However, according to Friedman, handing out hefty contract extensions isn't really Yzerman's style:



The Red Wings' GM has his hands full as it is, with plans to sign both Lucas Raymond and Moritz Seider, who'll be RFA this summer. He's not likely to chase after a high-profile player like Guentzel, especially if it risks losing either of those players.

We can expect Yzerman to look for players with less strings attached.

Do you think the Red Wings will make a blockbuster trade at the deadline?

As read on Daily Hockey Dose - Detroit Red Wings Reportedly Out of the Derby For Top Deadline Acquisition