The Daily: Kane, Chiarot Return Key for Red Wings; NHL Rumors

General manager  Steve Yzerman probably wouldn’t be able to find a forward and defenseman in the NHL trade market that will help his Detroit team as much as the return of Patrick Kane and Ben Chiarot will do for his team.

Even if he could find comparable players, the price tag likely would be too heavy for a still-rebuilding team.

Thursday’s Detroit Hockey Now story makes it clear that coach Derek Lalonde is to have a healthy Red Wings lineup back. Kane, a three-time Stanley Cup champion, could be particularly useful as Detroit tries to earn a playoff spot for the first time since 2016. Kane signed with Detroit earlier this season after recovering from offseason hip surgery.

“It’s tough, especially this year coming back in, just starting to get my feet back under me here and you go through a different injury,” Kane said. “It’s a little depressing, especially when you’re out a little bit. But excited to get back on the ice after the break here. I feel pretty good, so hopefully I’ll have another good practice (Friday).”

As our story points out, the 230-pound Chiarot offers a physical shutdown presence he’s a stalwart on the top penalty killing unit.

Meanwhile, around the NHL, trade rumors abound now that we have less than a month today before the March 8 trade deadline. Scouts from 15 different teams attended the Calgary vs. New Jersey game. Teams are interested in Calgary’s Noah Hanifin and  Jacob Markstrom.

Red Wings In Case You Missed It

• Patrick Kane, Ben Chiarot and Ville Husso all ready to rejoin the Detroit lineup. The Red Wings are finally healthy.
• Will former Detroit player Igor Larionov be the first Russian coach to join the NHL as a head coach?
• Behind the paywall: Detroit draft pick Red Savage looks forward to playing for Michigan State in Little Caesars Arena.
• Behind the paywall: Tim Robinson looks at the progress this season of 2023 goalie draft pick Rudy Guimond.

Red Wings Next Game

Detroit’s squad resumed practice Thursday in anticipation for Saturday’s home game against the Vancouver Canucks. They fell to the Boston Bruins 4-0 Thursday night. Alex Lyon will start in goal for Detroit.

Hockey Now Network

Boston: The Boston Bruins could have some interest in acquiring Nic Dowd before the trade deadline. Jimmy Murphy has the story behind the paywall/

Calgary: NHL scouts from 15 different teams were in the press box watching the recent Devils vs. Calgary Flames game.

Chicago: Nate Brown explores whether Chicago Blackhawks are justified in raising prices for season tickets.

Montreal: The decision to trade Sean Monahan well before the trade deadline might have an added benefit beyond the first-round draft pick:  it might improve the Montreal Canadiens 2024 NHL draft odds.

New Jersey: Are the New Jersey Devils interested in Jacob Markstrom. If they are, Markstrom points out that the Calgary Flames control his fate even though he has a no-trade clause.

San Jose: Report says Mikael Granlund will give the San Jose Sharks their best return on trades made before the NHL trade deadline.