Detroit Red Wings: 3 bad contracts worth adding to enhance draft capital

The Detroit Red Wings should trade for Martin Jones.

Since the Detroit Red Wings do not have a short-term solution in goal, I am going with another goaltender that’s worn out his welcome with his current team.

Ironically, Martin Jones began his career in Los Angeles, backing up Jonathan Quick, who I mentioned earlier as a trade option in hopes of landing more draft capital.

After two solid seasons with Los Angeles, Jones landed in San Jose with a chance to be a number one NHL goaltender.  Jones had three very respectable seasons as the top dog before seeing his play rapidly decline.

During his first three years in San Jose, Jones totaled 190 games, going 102-68-16 with a save percentage of .915% and a goals-against average (GAA) sitting respectably at 2.40.  In his first season with the Sharks, the team made it to the Stanley Cup Finals, with Jones providing the organization with a save percentage of .932% and a GAA of 2.16 in 24 playoff games despite falling to the Pittsburgh Penguins in six games.

In San Jose’s last playoff run in 2018-19, Jones appeared as the weak link.  Although Jones appeared in 20 contests, he went 10-9 with an elevated GAA of 3.02 and a save percentage of just .898%.

Here is a trade I feel the Detroit Red Wings should propose.

This deal is not as steep as the one I proposed for Quick because Jones is just 31-years old and might just be able to rejuvenate his career, splitting time with a veteran like Thomas Greiss.  There is no pressure at the moment in Detroit, with the Red Wings currently undergoing a significant rebuild.  Detroit requires a goaltender and could be a perfect place to come and work out some kinks before it’s too late.

It’s time for a change, and if the Sharks refuse to buy out Jones, who currently has three years left on his current deal that averages $5.75 million per season, maybe he will waive his no-movement clause to play elsewhere.