from Pat Caputo of The Oakland Press,

There always seems to be concern about the Red Wings’ grit. Buffalo’s Steve Ott would bring that, and he will score his share of goals.

David Legwand is from Grosse Pointe. Although he is 33 and one of Nashville’s all-time great players, the former second overall NHL Draft pick still has a lot of jump. Legwand can help the Red Wings both on the power play and penalty kill, areas they need shoring up because Zetterberg is such a key component to their special team units. He’d have to waive a no-trade clause, but did grow up here.

Ales Hemsky has excellent offensive skill and could be had for a defensemen. Edmonton has a lot of high-end offensive talent taken at the very top of the NHL Draft in recent years, but is woeful along the blue line. The Red Wings do have some depth in their system defensively and there might be a match there.

There is some other higher-end talent scheduled for free agency in 2014 – the New York Islanders’ Thomas Vanek and Buffalo’s Matt Moulson, who were traded for each other earlier in the season, come to mind. But the cost in regard to draft picks and players might be prohibitive.

more on why Caputo feels the Wings need to make a move...