from Bob Duff of Detroit Hockey Now,
The uncertain future status of captain Dylan Larkin and frequent linemate Tyler Bertuzzi is drawing most of the attention among the plethora of impending unrestricted free agents currently populating the roster of the Detroit Red Wings.
While that’s certainly understandable, there’s another UFA in Red Wings colors who is an absolute must sign for the club.
That would be defenseman Jake Walman.
Enjoying a breakthrough season as an NHLer, Walman is performing with poise and confidence. He’s competing and battling between the boards, an aspect of his game that’s been crticized in the past. His strong and consistent play is earning Walman top-pairing work alongside reigning Calder Trophy winner Moritz Seider.
“He’s a really strong skater,” Seider said of Walman. “Very talented. Can outskate everyone in the league. That gives him confidence and I think he’s been playing with that a lot lately.
“You see that he’s hard to defend in the O zone. We’ve been doing a really good job of shutting the top line down.”
I agree, and more importantly IMO, he's made Hronek both expendable and one hellva trade chip, with team considering what he's done stat wise, and the fact that he remains under a team's control for a bit, we would get a nice return for him, sell high.
Then with Seider Wallman and Chiarot locked in, Edvinson coming, Yzerman can trade for or sign a high end FA dman to eat some real minutes and significantly improve the stoutness and prowess of our back end.
Then we have a big hole at RD and no one to fill that spot.
Re Hronek as a trade chip: I agree wholeheartedly. Last nights Boston/Toronto game had a clip showing the affinity the B's have for Czech players--7 or 8 on the current roster. Their affinity for Czechs is like the Wings affinity for Swedes. I say, while his offensive stats are at a career best, now is the time to sign Walman and trade Hronek for other assets to improve the team. What position? I'd trust Stevie to make that choice. All I'm saying is call the B's GM, dangle Hronek and see what that could bring back. If the offer is not good enough, dangle him on to another team aching for D. Buy by all means--sign Walman.
I think the Wings should entertain an extension for Walman but I would caution he has had one decent season. This one. He also has not played more than 32 games in a season. He will break that mark this season as well.
I like his game so far. I would not give him more than a 3 year 3/4m deal. There is not enough evidence that he will keep tracking upwards. A bridge deal would be a good path forward.
agreed, I trust Yzerman will proceed with caution
Ideally Walman is re-signed but that have to consider what they might get in a trade as well. Like others, I'd look to move Hronek first. But it wouldn't be the worst thing to have Hronek and Walman around as the younger D find their footing. Too many quality D is a problem that can be solved easily.
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