The roster
Detroit Red Wings Team Captain Dylan Larkin was frustrated at a lack of support at the end of last season and was vocal about that frustration. There was a general sentiment amongst players and fans that Steve Yzerman could have done more to bring in supporting players. The gaps in the roster still haven’t been addressed, and September is right around the corner.
The defense is in need of an upgrade in the form of a top 4 player. The veterans who have been brought in simply haven’t performed at the level that was expected. While there is no relief that seems imminent, there is a promising sign on the horizon. Ben Chiarot, Erik Gustafsson and Justin Holl are all on expiring contracts. has too many holes
The free agents have not performed
Chiarot’s underperformance stands out to many due to his $4.75 million deal. That contract carries a 10-team non-trade clause and hasn’t lived up to expectations. Chiarot was expected to bring stability for Moritz Seider, but ended up playing in multiple spots on the roster. The coming season could see Simon Edvinsson pull ahead of Chiarot in the depth Chart.
Justin Holl’s 3.4 million dollar deal has not aged well either. The right-shot defenseman seemed at times relegated to a bottom-pairing role. Holl also carries a 10-team no-trade clause in his final year. Gustafsson’s 2 million dollar cap hit is much more palatable and holds no trade protection. Gustafsson was hailed as a power play specialist, but didn’t live up to the billing.
The three veterans combine for 10.15 million in cap space, and their departure will free up half of the defensive roster. Holl was being floated as a potential buyout candidate by many pundits, but that has yet to materialize. The Red Wings may be satisfied in allowing the details to expire, but fans have a far different appetite.
Can failed signing become valuable assets?
When the trade deadline approaches this year, there may be suitors for one or more of the three veteran players. The cap hits will be far lower, and each can provide depth for teams expecting a long postseason. If Steve Yzerman can make a deal, it would behoove the general manager to do so.
Fans are looking to the future, eager to see if any of the prospects can outperform the veterans. Marco Kasper’s performance last year made it clear that it can be done. An overperformance from a young player (or many young players) would be key in Detroit’s success this coming season. It’s disappointing that the team looks largely unchanged from a team that missed the postseason. Thankfully, Yzerman will be forced to move on from a disappointing group of signings after this year.
Put Ed up with Mo. Well,, as soon as they can. Chiarot is fine, but not up there. I would prefer him on the third pair, but who goes on the second? Gus? Nope. So Chiarot on 2. Gus is playing in Sweden now, if I’m correct. I hope he uses that to his advantage. I’m not really comfortable with the left side, except for Ed. A trade for a second pair guy would be fine by me. JBD and Chiarot on the third sound much better. I would much rather bring someone up, but when? When will they be ready?
It seems to me that Buium and Wallinder are closest to being ready? I hope that’s correct.
Thanks!
I think Buium should jump the line. He really picked up steam in the 2nd half, really physical good skater. Wallinder and him should be allowed to battle it out. Left side is bad. They needed to get someone in. If Eddy is there, yep move him up. The kids should be beating out the vets and moving them on
D is a huge hole, and as summer slowly fades the prospect of fixing this becomes more and more bleak. AlJo is a 2d-pairing guy. By circumstance, for now. Mo & Eddy are THE shut-down pairing. Full stop. I’ve seen us attached to the Hughes boy. I’d allow it. To Ken’s point above Buium & Wally seem best-situated to make the jump, and both had significant growth in the “A” last year. JBD may be one of those YzerForce moves that leave us all wondering how the heck he fleeces so many teams. I’ve watch video of the kid – gap coverage, out-let passing, lane filling….from what I saw, kid can be a surprise. ASP isn’t breaking camp with us, he needs some time in the “A”, but I’ll not be surprised to see him up with us after the Christmas break…..for good.
Read that we’re attached to McTavish. He’d cost significantly. Saw that ASP may be the asking price. No. Effing. Way. I’d LOVE to have this kid, or Rossi to be honest. McT is a freakin’ beast and he’s still developing. He’ll be an All-Star. His contract ask (he’s an RFA), seems to be above $6m long-term – we could absorb that (say, 7×6?), but if the conversation starts & ends with ASP? No thanks. We need help on 5v5 scoring, need a potent 2C (or bump Larkin down to 2C and let him friggin’ FLY….he’d be amazing as the 2C….), but not if it degrades the pipeline for our D.
I would so ASP and Holl and a ’28 2nd for McT and Gudas. Looking for help right now to make the POs.
I’m not ready to move ASP. If he can replicate what he did in Sweden, man, this kid is a game changer on the offense. But, you do need help. I don’t see this lineup making the post season, but can’t ditch on ASP yet. It’s gonna cost, gauge interest on Lombardi and there may be quite a bit.
Yeah, the rumor mill has been awful. We were deep in on Letang two weeks ago. We were deep in on Miller a month ago. I cannot see them moving ASP. That could end up being a disaster. They have to do something. If Yzerman was in on all those other players, then they missed badly. Not a great look