NHL Trade Rumors: Pavel Kubina Would Be Great Addition for Red Wings

With the first couple of significant defensive trade pieces moving earlier this week in Hal Gill and Nicklas Grossman, we could see a domino effect occur over the next few days. 

Pavel Kubina is the current hot name on the trading block as far as defensemen are concerned, and while he has yet to provide Lightning GM Steve Yzerman with his list of acceptable trade partners, a number of teams have expressed interest in the veteran blueliner from the Czech Republic.

According to MLive.com, the Wings have already made an offer to the Tampa Bay Lightning for Kubina. The details of that offer are unknown, but one would guess the price paid for Gill and Grossman is a fair measuring stick.

Kubina, 34, would add some needed grit and toughness to the Wings' roster, slotting into the third defensive pairing alongside Jonathan Ericsson.

In addition to his physical presence and big body, Kubina brings a good amount of experience in big games and could act as a mentor of sorts for Ericsson who is still learning to be a consistent contributor.

Kubina was a Stanley Cup winner in 2004 with the Lightning and has 46 career playoff games, as well as three World Championship gold medals, and multiple Olympic appearances.

He is an excellent shot blocker and would provide the Wings with a heavy shot from the point on the second power play unit, as well as being one of only three right-handed shots on the team.

Detroit's obvious connection with Yzerman should at the very least help in negotiations, but there will definitely be competition for Kubina with the likes of Chicago and New Jersey looking for back end depth as well.

For the time being, all we as fans can do is wait for Kubina to submit his list of teams, and ultimately decide his own future.