DETROIT - The Red Wings showed the GHL that they plan to contend this year when they traded their 2017 1st rounder and prospect Olaf Forslund to Florida for defenseman Oldrich Kusnjer. "We felt that we wouldn't go very far with our current defense. We felt that we needed a more physical presence around our blueline and Kusnjer just fits it" said GM Flávio Muto

 

Kusnjer will upgrade a squad that hasn't been very sharp. Through 41 games the team suffered 125 goals, an average of three goals against per game. It isn't one of the worst of the league, but it's far from being one of the best ones too.

 

Asked about who would be sacked from the lineup, Flavio answered "That's not my job. Go ask coach Versatin about it. He is the one who says who is in an who is out."

 

Kusnjer has 1 goal and 8 assists so far this season, with a -24 +/- and a 7,41 rating. He also has 96 takeaways an 19 PIM.