The Detroit News’s Ted Kulfan discusses seven “clearance rack” free agents who might be of use to the Red Wings this upcoming season. Kulfan includes some names that haven’t been linked to Detroit yet…
▶ Adam Henrique, 36, center, 65 games, three goals, 12 assists— The best center available on the market, Henrique has played 1,058 games and has been a nice addition to the lineup wherever he’s been. A dependable veteran who supplied consistent offense early in his career, Henrique struggled last season with Edmonton but someone might be willing to offer one more one-year contract.
▶ Patrik Laine, 28, right wing, five games, no goals, one assist— Laine is the wild card in this bunch. He still possesses one of the hardest shots in the league and would be a weapon for a team on the power-play flank. But his inability to stay in the lineup, along with defensive struggles, cost him basically the entire season in Montreal. That being said, Laine is such an intriguing gamble for a quality team.
As well as the favorites:
▶ Michael Bunting, age 30, left wing, 74 games, 14 goals, 19 assists (2025-26 stats)— Bunting has scored at least 19 goals four times in his career and plays the agitating type of game the Wings could always need. Bunting will be playing on his seventh team in seven years, which is a bit shocking considering his production, but some team will add him before training camp.
▶ Eeli Tolvanen, 27, right wing, 78 games, 12 goals, 24 assists— Tolvanen dropped from 23 goals to 12, and he struggled defensively last season. At his age, it’s surprising no team has committed to Tolvanen, who should be able to help anyone’s middle six forwards. The Wings have been linked to him and Tolvanen would bolster the lineup.
Kulfan continues, naming Vladimir Tarasenko, David Perron and James van Riemsdyk as potential UFA “fits.”
