Detroit Hockey Now’s Kevin Allen posted a subscriber-only notebook on Sunday evening, discussing the Red Wings’ assessment of their possibly-NHL-ready prospects as they apply to management’s desire to field a more competitive roster.
With oodles of cap space and 7 restricted free agents of note to re-sign, the Wings have enough room on the roster to make some changes, playing prospects included…
But the Wings’ re-signing of Marc Staal may indicate that a few more veterans will return before the start of unrestricted free agency on Wednesday:
The Red Wings, according to CapFriendly.com, have $37.5 million in salary room left with seven restricted free agents still to sign. They could also still buy out Nielsen to open up a roster spot. He’s not in Detroit’s plans.
They are still interested in some of their unrestricted free agents, including faceoff artist Luke Glendening or right-shot forward Sam Gagner. The free agent market has very few right-shot forwards.
The Red Wings have interest in soon-to-be unrestricted free agent Alex Martinez. The Red Wings could look at younger left-shot D men like Ryan Murray or Mike Reilly.
Allen continues (subscription), projecting the Wings’ roster without the services of Glendening, Gagner or Bobby Ryan, who are all possible re-signings…
And it’s a relief to know that the Wings may want to cut ties with Nielsen. The years of losing took their toll on ol’ Frans, and I felt that last season, he really looked exhausted.
I’m not sure how Alec Martinez decides to come to a rebuilding team, Michigan ties included, however.
Luke only uses the backhand (mostly). Right Hand Backhand?? LOL
I thought he was on the trade list, most of last year
I’m not sure whether Glendening was really going to be traded. He certainly generated chatter, like Bertuzzi is generating chatter now, but what happens and what’s discussed are two different things.
Mantha and AA were not shocking events. With Little Bert having an injury (not sure what it is or was) and being a talented, sandpaper, usually 1st line winger… I would think Larkin is untouchable but little Bert has a skill set that is needed from more of the forwards. As Givani develops (scoring) he is one that may join a very small .
With the forwards getting younger, a deterrent is going to necessary soon.
Bertuzzi had a back issue. That’s my understanding, anyway. It didn’t require surgery to fix, but was chronic.
I agree with you that the Wings need some spit-and-vinegar guys, with Bertuzzi and Smith being two of them, to “keep the flies off.”