Detroit Hockey Now’s Kevin Allen wonders aloud which of the Red Wings’ younger players might earn the roster spot once held by former Red Wing Filip Zadina:
No one in the Detroit organization, GM Steve Yzerman in particular, liked how the Filip Zadina departure unfolded. But the result of the contract termination: Detroit has roughly $13.5 milion in cap space (according to capfriendly.com).
That figure includes Alex Lyon playing in the American Hockey League. Plus, the Red Wings still have to pay restricted free agent Joe Veleno. AFP Analytics projects Veleno’s salary will be $1.259 million on a two-year deal. It wouldn’t be surprising if Yzerman gave him $1.3 or 1.4 million. Veleno has shown progress. Zadina was earning an average of $1.8 million per season
But the other factor of the Zadina departure is that it opens up a roster spot. The Red Wings currently have 13 forwards, seven defensemen and two goalies for 22 players on the roster.
That could be a spot for Alex DeBrincat. (It should be noted that a DeBrincat deal could include someone off Detroit’s roster.)
If the DeBrincat deal doesn’t come to pass, players such as Elmer Soderblom, or one of the young defensemen, or Marco Kasper could claim it. Also, don’t rule out the Red Wings acquiring another veteran. Yzerman has said he’s still talking to other GMs.
