Custance on Wings’ projected free agent contract values, saving for later

The Athletic’s Craig Custance projects the probable contract values for the Wings’ restricted free agents (Andreas Athanasiou, Tyler Bertuzzi, Martin Frk, Dylan Larkin and Anthony Mantha) and probable unrestricted free agent re-signing in Mike Green.

As you might expect, Custance estimates that re-signing all the RFA’s, Green and a back-up goaltender would suck up the Wings’ cap space, and he suggests that the Wings need to keep an eye open toward next summer’s free agent class, too:

Larkin’s contract is the most important deal in terms of Detroit’s long-range plans. There is a lot of positive momentum with Larkin, from his strong regular season to an important role on Jeff Blashill’s bronze-medal-winning U.S. team at Worlds. The last thing you’d think either side would want is a lengthy contract negotiation or potential holdout. In the short term, the Green contract will help determine just how much of a player the Red Wings are in free agency this summer. Whether they’re a cap team will come down to who is available in free agency this year.

More importantly, the Red Wings want to be a serious player in the 2019 free-agency market (Drew Doughty, Oliver Ekman-Larsson, Erik Karlsson, etc.) so they also have to be careful not to do anything here that ties them up. Gustav Nyquist’s and Niklas Kronwall’s contracts both expire after next season, which opens up about $9.5 million in cap space to take a run at one of the big defensemen in 2019. Next summer is where the real free-agent action may take place for the Red Wings.

Custance continues (paywall)…

Red Wings sign Slovak goalie Patrik Rybar to 1-year deal

From the Detroit Red Wings:

Red Wings add free agent goaltender Patrik Rybar

24-year-old netminder represented Slovakia at Olympics and World Championship in 201

DETROIT – The Detroit Red Wings today signed goaltender Patrik Rybar to a one-year entry-level contract.

Rybar, 24, primarily spent the 2017-18 season with HK Hradec Kralove in the Czech Extraliga, the top professional league in the Czech Republic. In 36 games with the club, Rybar posted a 23-13 record and led the league in both goals-against average (1.73) and shutouts (7), alongside a 0.932 save percentage. He helped his club reach the semifinals in the Extraliga playoffs, sporting a 2.24 goals-against average and 0.918 save percentage in 12 postseason games. The Skalica, Slovakia, native also represented his country internationally on two occasions this season. He was named to the Slovakian Olympic Team at the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyongchang, South Korea, but did not see game action, and recently competed at the 2018 IIHF World Championship in Copenhagen and Herning, Denmark, appearing in three games with a 1-1 record, 2.49 goals-against average and 0.906 save percentage.

The 6-foot-3, 176-pound goaltender has split his four professional seasons between Slovakia and the Czech Republic, totaling a 47-26 record, 1.93 goals-against average, 0.927 save percentage and nine shutouts in two seasons with HK Hradec Kralove from 2016-18 and posting a 3.07 goals-against average and 0.920 save percentage with SHK 37 Piestany in the Slovakian Extraliga from 2014-16, posting the league’s top save percentage (0.933) in 2015-16. Prior to his professional career, Rybar played for the junior club of HC Slovan Bratislava from 2009-14 and also saw action in 26 games in second-tier Slovakia, while debuting in the top Slovakian league with one game for HC Slovan Bratislava in 2010-11.

Patrik Rybar, Goalie

Born Nov 9 1993 — Skalica, Slovakia

Height 6.03 — Weight 176 — Catches L

As the Wings’ release states, Rybar played for HC Hradek Kralove in the Czech League, posting a 1.73 goals-against average in 36 games played, so that ain’t bad.

My best guess is that the Wings made their World Championship signing for the year hoping that Rybar can help fill the void left by Jared Coreau and Tom McCollum, who are both likely to leave Grand Rapids as unrestricted free agents.

Update: Here’s more from the Detroit News’s Ted Kulfan…

The Red Wings are expected to sign an NHL veteran this summer in free agency to back up Howard, who was the only goalie signed for next season in the organization.

Rybar is likely to play in Grand Rapids with either Tom McCollum or Jared Coreau, both of whom are unrestricted free agents.

And MLive’s Ansar Khan:

Rybar posted a 23-13 record and led the Czech Extraliga in goals-against average (1.73) and shutouts (7). The team reached the semifinals of the league’s playoffs, in which he posted a 2.24 goals-against average and 0.918 save percentage.

The 6-foot-3, 176-pound Rybar has split his four professional seasons between the Czech Republic and Slovakia, where he also posted Slovakian Extraliga’s top save percentage (0.933) during the 2015-16 season.

Rybar represented Slovakia at the Olympics and 2018 World Championship. While he is expected to compete for the backup job, he is likely bound for the team’s American Hockey League affiliate Grand Rapids Griffins.

Goaltender Jimmy Howard is currently the only Detroit goaltender under contract for the 2018-19 season.

NHL teams can begin signing free agents on July 1.

Update #2: Here’s more from Helene St. James:

Patrik Rybar was signed a one-year contract on Monday, worth $925,000 in the NHL and $70,000 in the minors. The 24-year-old spent most of 2017-18 with HK Hradec Kralove in the Czech Extraliga, the top professional league in the Czech Republic. In 36 games, Rybar posted a 23-13 record and led the league in both goals-against average (1.73) and shutouts (seven), to go with a .932 save percentage.

He posted a 2.24 goals-against average and 0.918 save percentage in 12 playoff games. He was part of Slovakia’s team at 2018 Winter Olympics (he did not play in any games) and represented his country again at the 2018 World Championship in Denmark, appearing in three games with a 1-1 record, 2.49 goals-against average and .906 save percentage.

Rybar is expected to play in Grand Rapids. Jared Coreau and Thomas McCollum are both pending unrestricted free agents, and Coreau is likely to explore other options. He does not factor into the Wings’ plans for a second goalie behind Jimmy Howard. The Wings are expected to address that need via free agency, with Carter Hutton as a leading possibility.

Morning news: Tweets of note, a spiffy video and a draft prospect ranking

Of brief Red Wings-related note today:

1. According to the Detroit News’s Gregg Krupa, the Red Wings are set to make a charitable announcement on Tuesday:

2. This is pretty cool, via Michigan Hockey:

 3. Via HSJ:

4. Joe Hicketts said the following after the Grand Rapids Griffins were ousted from the playoffs, and it’s good to know that “Hicksy” feels that he can improve his skills despite having made his NHL debut this past season:

5. Finally, The Athletic’s Corey Pronman penned a tiered list of the top prospects for the 2018 draft. Here’s one of his scouting reports:

5. Quinn Hughes, D, Michigan-Big 10

Oct. 14, 1999 | 5-foot-10|170 pounds

GP: 37| Goals: 5 | Points: 29 |  Shoots: Left

Skating: 70
Puck Skills: 60
Physical Game: 35
Hockey sense: 65

Hughes was a second-team All-Star in the Big 10 this past season and is the first of his three talented brothers to become NHL draft eligible. Hughes is the best skater in the draft class, and one of the best skating defensemen I’ve ever seen at his age. He has incredible agility and ability to get up to a dangerous top speed quickly, and the power he gets from each stride is special. I’ve never seen a defenseman that can pivot from backwards at full speed to dashing up the ice like he can. He can transition the puck well due to his feet, but his great puck skills and IQ allows him to drive play. He’s not a pure dangler, but he controls the puck very well in a way that distinguishes him. He processes the game so well at both ends of the rink and is extremely creative with the puck, allowing him to make unique rushes and distributions. He controls the puck in a unique way and is very tough to dislodge due to his skating, skill and work ethic. While he can make end to end rushes, with his aforementioned smarts, he knows when to pick his spots to make a play or just make a crisp outlet. His passes are always hard and on the tape. The main drawback on him is his size, and its valid in terms of being subpar at winning battles, but his sense and feet allow him to disrupt enough plays to be useful defensively and he’s not a huge liability. His point shot could be a tad stronger, as well.

USNTDP U17 coach John Wroblewski said: “His acceleration and escapability are second to none. He has the best 1-on-1 instincts I’ve ever seen. Through the neutral zone, he darts and slashes, rarely making a poor read on when to join [the attack]. In the offensive zone, he’s like a point guard. He breaks people down and makes them look silly.”

Pronman continues at significant length…

Witkowski’s “numbers” defined by his role

DetroitRedWings.com’s Arthur J. Regner examines Luke Witkowski’s 2017-18 season this morning, and any discussion of Witkowski’s campaign yields mixed feelings from me.

There’s no doubt that Witkowski gave the Wings significant “pop” and even an intimidation factor when he played…But his presence, which would’ve been even greater had he not been suspended for 10 games, took away from a 4th line spot that could’ve gone to a youngster.

Anyway, Regner’s article duly notes that Witkowski’s “numbers” were defined by the role he played on the team:

31 – Total number of games Witkowski appeared in during his first season as a Red Wing.

1 – Witkowski scored his first NHL and only career goal on February 17 against the Predators in Nashville. Witkowski’s father, John, was there as the team was on the dads and mentors trip.

4 – Total number of points Witkowski accumulated last season. That matched his point total from the 2016-17 season when he was with the Lightning.

68 – His 68 penalty minutes ranked second on the Red Wings. Justin Abdelkader led Detroit in penalty minutes with 78.

Regner continues, and it’s important to note that Witkowski, who has a year left on his contract, has a big supporter in the Red Wings’ coach, so it’s highly likely that Witkowski will remain on the Wings’ roster going forward.

Gustav Nyquist was in a reflective mood prior to the World Championship final

International hockey writer Julie Robenhymer penned an article for DetroitRedWings.com in which she spoke with Gustav Nyquist just prior to Sweden’s World Championship final against Switzerland. Nyquist won a gold medal with Sweden on Sunday.

Robenhymer noted that Nyquist was still stinging from the Wings’ playoff-less spring, so he looked for an opportunity to help his home country while bettering himself:

“It still hurts to think about not being in the playoffs. I check the NHL scores every morning, maybe I’ll watch the first period of a game if I’m still awake” he said. “As a competitor, you still want to be in that race and playing for a Stanley Cup. So, of course, I wish I was still there, but I’m not. I’m here and having the chance to win a gold medal for your country isn’t a bad alternative.”

It’s that desire to win a Stanley Cup that was driving his focus here at the world championship and why he’s looking at anything and everything he can pick up from other players that might help him be just a little bit better, faster, smarter on the ice.

“You’re still playing against a lot of really good players here. It’s a little bit of a different game because of the big ice and it takes a little while to get used to, but it’s still fun to challenge yourself in that way and see how other players do things,” Nyquist explained. “This is an opportunity to improve and put me in a better position to help the Red Wings get into and go far in the playoffs next year. We haven’t made it now in two years and that’s something we obviously want to change.

“I think we had a lot of young guys take steps this year and hopefully they can take another step, while everyone else takes a look in the mirror and sees what they can do better to improve as well and help the team succeed a little bit more. We all need to be better.”

Robenhymer continues…

Red Wings at the World Championship: Nyquist’s Swedes capture gold

At the World Championship in Copenhagen, Denmark:

Team Sweden prevailed in a post-overtime penalty shootout, winning 3-2 over Switzerland.

Gustav Nyquist scored a goal in 21:30, finishing even with 5 shots.

Update: Here are the IIHF’s highlights:

 

Red Wings at the World Championship: Team USA captures bronze

Dylan Larkin, Nick Jensen and Jeff Blashill earned bronze medals as Team USA defeated Canada 4-1 (including 2 empty-net goals for the Americans) at the World Championship on Sunday.

Larkin, who spent his time checking the Connor McDavid line, had an assist on Chris Kreider’s 1-0 goal.

Larkin finished at +2 on 3 shots and 22:39 played;

Jensen had 1 shot in 11:17 played.

Update: Here are the game’s highlights…

And Team USA’s website posted a recap and a post-game clip:

 

Chris Chelios officially inducted into IIHF Hall of Fame

From Team USA’s website:

Chelios Inducted Into IIHF Hall of Fame

Four-Time Olympian and 1996 World Cup of Hockey Gold Medalist Inducted Here in Copenhagen, Denmark

Today, Chris Chelios (Downers Grove, Ill.) was inducted into the International Ice Hockey Federation Hall of Fame as a member of its Class of 2018. The induction ceremony took place here in Copenhagen, Denmark, on the final day of the 2018 IIHF Men’s World Championship. Chelios is the 23rd American to be enshrined into the IIHF Hall of Fame.

Chris Chelios first skated on the international stage when he competed on the U.S. National Junior Team at the International Ice Hockey Federation World Junior Championship in 1982.

One of only two male players to represent the United States at four Olympic Winter Games (1984, 1988, 2002, 2006), he also participated in three Canada Cups (1984, 1987, 1991), and two World Cups of Hockey (1996, 2004).

Representing his country 10 times internationally, he totaled 23 points (5-18) in 60 games played while helping the U.S. win the inaugural 1996 World Cup of Hockey and captaining Team USA to a silver medal at the 2002 Olympic Winter Games in Salt Lake City.

A three-time Stanley Cup champion, Chelios holds the record for most games played by a defenseman in NHL history (1,651), after completing 26 seasons in the NHL. Since retirement, Chelios most recently served as an assistant coach for the 2016 U.S. National Junior Team at the IIHF World Junior Championship, helping them capture a bronze medal.

Update: Via the Red Wings’ Twitter account:

Senators’ Alfredsson, Red Wings’ Chelios will be named to IIHF Hall of Fame this morning

The Ottawa Sun’s Don Brennan reports Senators news which includes an item of interest for Red Wings fans:

Sunday will be a good day to be Daniel Alfredsson.

Along with watching his fellow Swedes take on the underdog Swiss in the 2018 world hockey championship gold medal game, the former Ottawa Senators’ captain will be inducted into the International Ice Hockey Federation Hall of Fame.

Three other former NHLers — Chris Chelios, Rob Blake and Jere Lehtinen — will be among the group of eight entering the IIHF shrine in Copenhagen.

Brennan continues, and Chelios’s impressive international hockey resume warrants a spot in the IIHF Hall of Fame.

Sipple: Red Berenson auctioning some of his hockey memorabilia

The Free Press’s George Sipple reports that former University of Michigan coach Red Berenson will be parting ways with some of his hockey memorabilia:

Classic Auctions, which has handled auctions of personnel collections for hockey icons like Maurice (Rocket) Richard, Bobby Hull and Jean Beliveau, is handling the auction of Berenson’s personnel items, including his 1965-66 Montreal Canadiens Stanley Cup champion 10K gold ring; his 1972 Team Canada “Team of the Century” 14K gold and diamond ring; his 1981 Canada Cup 10K gold and diamond ring; and his 2006 Lester Patrick Award Trophy.

Berenson told the Detroit Free Press in a phone interview Friday afternoon the auction is “legitimate” and only part of his personal collection is being auctioned.

“There’s no agenda,” Berenson, 78, said of why he’s putting some of his personal belongings up for auction.

He said it’s simply a case of having too much stuff and not enough room for it all.

Berenson said most of the items in the auction are mostly pro memorabilia and are things that don’t hold much sentimental value to him or his family.

About the 1965-66 Canadiens Stanley Cup ring, he said: “It’s been on my wife’s charm bracelet for all these years.”

Continued