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          Craig Custance Blog

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          Trade Grade: Erik Cole to Red Wings

          Forward Erik Cole, who has 15 even-strength goals, should bolster Detroit's offense. Icon Sportswire/AP Images
          • Craig Custance, ESPN Senior WriterMar 1, 2015, 09:08 PM ET
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            • Senior NHL writer for ESPN The Magazine
            • Wrote for Atlanta Journal-Constitution
            • Wrote for The Sporting News
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          The deal

          Detroit Red Wings get: Erik Cole, 2015 third-round pick

          Dallas Stars get: Mattias Backman, Mattas Janmark and a 2015 second-round pick

          Detroit Red Wings: B

          The Red Wings are averaging 2.9 goals per game, which is No. 7 in the NHL. But they’re a little reliant on a power play that is No. 1 in the league, and that’s a hard way to win in the playoffs where power plays can dry up quickly. At even strength, the Red Wings average just 2.07 goals per 60 minutes, a total that is No. 23 in the league.

          Cole will help.