The Athletic’s Max Bultman and the Free Press’s Helene St. James have penned articles discussing the Red Wings’ free agent options, and, this afternoon, the Detroit News’s Ted Kulfan joins the fray.
Kulfan duly notes that the Wings will have approximately $12 million in salary cap space with which to work come July 1st, and, among Kulfan’s picks are:
Anders Lee, 28, left wing, N.Y. Islanders, 6-3, 230 pounds
► 2018-19 stats: 28 goals, 23 assists, 51 points in 82 games.
► Outlook: This is the longest of longshots. Lee could very well re-sign with the Islanders, where he’s the captain. But coach Jeff Blashill was impressed with Lee at the world championships, and he would be a great on- and off-ice presence for the Wings as currently constructed. Lee probably will be looking for a team closer to contender status, though.
…
Tyler Myers, 29, defenseman, Winnipeg, 6-8, 229 pounds
► 2018-19 stats: 9 goals, 22 assists, 31 points in 80 games.
► Outlook: Myers would be the top-pair defenseman the Wings are looking for, but it’s difficult to see this match happen. Myers is being recruited by several contenders for a long-term deal with a lot of money. As much as Myers could help the Wings, he isn’t likely to age well – not the swiftest player around – and this could be a contract that gives a team buyer’s remorse eventually.
…
Anton Stralman, 32, defenseman, Tampa Bay, 5-11, 190 pounds
► 2018-19 stats: 2 goals, 15 assists, 17 points in 47 games.
► Outlook: Yzerman signed Stralman in Tampa five seasons ago, and Stralman has been a steadying force in the Lightning lineup. He could stay in Tampa for less money. If he doesn’t, Stralman would provide the same steadying influence to a Wings’ defense that was in total flux last season.
