The Detroit Red Wings haven’t stepped backward over the course of the first five hours of unrestricted free agency, but their signings have not necessarily moved the team forward, either.
I posted this when the free agent frenzy was really underway…
Did I/do I want to see the Wings add one more top-six winger? Sure.
— George Malik (@georgemalik) July 1, 2024
Do I want them to add Trouba? Maybe.
Do I want them to pay what the going rate is for the UFAs out there?
Meeeeeeeeeh.
And I preached for patience…
I guess I'll say it: With the $ being doled out, it *appears* that Mr. Yzerman is filling out the back half of his roster and the Griffins' roster, Talbot signing excluded, and I'm fine with that.
— George Malik (@georgemalik) July 1, 2024
If the deals ain't there for you, don't freak out. Be methodical.
But, ultimately, we are where we are:
The whole line about Kane re-signing was that he gave Detroit the sort of free agency cachet that makes the Red Wings "a destination" for free agents.
— George Malik (@georgemalik) July 1, 2024
Four hours in, it looks like their recent record speaks loudly, too.
But it's early to make blanket judgments.
I think that the next couple of moves are really going to determine whether the Red Wings actually move forward over the course of the summer, or whether they remain “just as good” as they were last season.
