The Athletic’s Max Bultman filed an after-today’s-free-agency-flurry article, discussing whether the Red Wings can improve themselves from the free agent leftovers who will be available tomorrow at 12 PM EDT, or whether the Wings might need to take the trade route to address their needs for a scoring winger and top-four defenseman:
The bottom line is, while Detroit cleared some cap space and did some housekeeping, a thin free-agent market has only gotten thinner, creating what could be quite the bidding war Tuesday for those who remain.
Among potential needle-movers, the market is basically down to three: L.A. Kings LHD Vladislav Gavrikov, Winnipeg Jets LW Nikolaj Ehlers and Vancouver Canucks RW Brock Boeser. Maybe you elevate Dallas Stars forward Mikael Granlund into that tier too after consecutive 60-point seasons, though he hasn’t been consistent through his career.
After that, you can argue Kane is arguably the most impactful player available — and you do wonder if that could tempt him at all, even though his fit in Detroit has been excellent.
Beyond that, there are some scoring wingers such as Andrew Mangiapane, Anthony Beauvillier, Jonathan Drouin, Connor Brown and Max Pacioretty; a handful of fringe top-four ‘D’ such as Brent Burns, Ryan Lindgren, Brian Dumoulin, Dmitri Orlov, Matt Grzelcyk and Nate Schmidt; and then more depth fits.
If Detroit doesn’t like the ‘D’ options, could it be tempted by a big-bodied righty in Tampa Bay’s Nick Perbix, or Dallas’ Cody Ceci in a third-pair role? It’s debatable whether either would really be an upgrade over Justin Holl on the third pair.
There are some good candidates for down-lineup identity players (which Detroit may need) in Joel Armia, Brandon Tanev, James van Riemsdyk or even Corey Perry if he is willing to consider a team that’s not a serious Cup contender.
Some of those names could help, but it’s doubtful any would drastically change Detroit’s outlook or perception. If the Red Wings want a difference-maker, then, it may have to come via trade.
Continued (paywall)
