The Detroit News’s Ted Kulfan wonders aloud what exactly the Red Wings are looking for in terms of unrestricted free agents, starting tomorrow, and Kulfan suggests that the Wings’ greatest need may be filled from “within”–by re-signing some or all of their respective free agents (i.e. Luke Glendening, Bobby Ryan, Sam Gagner and/or Darren Helm):
If negotiations with any, or all, of those forwards don’t produce results, then the Wings will aggressively hit the market looking for replacements.
“We’ll talk to our own free agents for sure,” general manager Steve Yzerman said after the NHL Entry Draft. “We’ll continue to stay in touch with them.”
Ironically, Glendening, Gagner and Ryan were the only right-shot forwards in the Wings’ lineup.
Without them, it creates a further imbalance and would force the Wings to work the free-agent market.
All three, especially East Grand Rapids native and alternate captain Glendening, have shown an interest in returning to the Wings.
“Right shots are a bit of a concern for us,” Yzerman said. “Our three right-shot forwards are unrestricted free agents, and we have definite interest in all three of them. Between now and (start of free agency), we’ll decide if we can get something done. Can we get something done with any of those guys or do we go beyond the 28th (Wednesday) and see what else is out there?”
Continued
