Detroit Red Wings
· 2026-07-03
The Detroit Red Wings have acquired Keegan Kolesar in a trade with the Vegas Golden Knights.
Kolesar received a text from Kelly McCrimmon, the Vegas general manager, informing him of the trade.
The trade involves Kolesar being sent to the Red Wings for a pair of draft picks.
Kolesar brings a physical element to the team, with 270 hits last season, ranking seventh in the NHL.
The Red Wings, currently 10th in the Eastern Conference with a 41-31 record, are on a L3 streak.
Kolesar plans to meet with coach Todd McLellan later in the summer to discuss his role on the team.
Kolesar has already been in contact with his new teammates and is excited about the future.
The Red Wings concluded their four-day development camp, which was viewed as successful by director of player development Daniel Cleary.
Cleary emphasized that the camp was educational, not evaluative, to help the players improve.
The team is looking to turn the page after a tough stretch, with Kolesar's addition expected to bring a new level of toughness.
Kolesar described himself as an "old-school type of player" who prioritizes helping the team win.
The Red Wings are hoping Kolesar's physical play will help them move up the standings.
Kolesar is eager to fill the void left by the team's lack of physicality in recent years.
The trade is seen as a positive move for the Red Wings, who are looking to make a push in the Eastern Conference.
The team's current standing and record suggest they have work to do to catch up with the top teams.
Kolesar's experience playing against the Red Wings will help him adjust to his new team.
The Red Wings are looking forward to seeing Kolesar in action and how he will contribute to the team.