from Kevin Allen of Detroit Hockey Now,
GM Steve Yzerman has more than $31 million in salary cap space heading into this offseason. That gives him the opportunity to be as aggressive as he was last summer when he acquired Ville Husso in a trade and signed a handful of free agents....
If Soderblom, Johansson or Kasper make the team, it enhances Yzerman’s buying power because all three are are on standard entry level deals paying them less than $900,000.
Bottom line: Yzerman has the cap room to bring in a high-priced difference-maker through a trade or free agent signing.
Even Yzerman doesn’t know exactly what he will do this summer, because he has no idea who is willing to come to a rebuilding Detroit team or what kind of money specific players want. He doesn’t know what options will present themselves. But the Red Wings have a list and it seems clear Yzerman wants to be aggressive. He will be looking in the goalie market for a proven veteran to back-up Husso. He is also hunting for goal scorers, a veteran right-shot defenseman and some size and toughness. There was plenty of discussion in last season’s aftermath about making sure the Red Wings will possess more push-back next season.
Yzerman will look into the trade market. Will he call Toronto about William Nylander or Mitch Marner? Or, Calgary about Tyler Toffoli? The issue for Yzerman in trade scenarios is that teams are usually looking for youngsters and draft picks in return. It doesn’t seem that Yzerman is in the position to make those kind of deals. But you also must factor in that Yzerman has a history of being able to make deals.
Ned's a fine backup, he just had a bad stretch. Bring him back and try a tandem this year. Not a buyer's market for goalies this offseason.
I think Ned is as good as any of the obvious options, and better if he's on. 2 year deal.
How about bringing Bert back? Asking price has certainly gone up since his playoff performance but he's a known quantity with relationships in Detroit. Plays the rugged style they're (still) searching to add...
Feels like almost no chance to me. I think there were some issues with him the front office didnt like. Not Vrana level, but.
from Kevin Allen of Detroit Hockey Now,
As of today, it looks as if Erne will be exploring the free agent market. It seems like Yzermans plan going into the offseason has been to keep his options open. He needs roster spots and his cap space if he wants to add two or three difference-makers.
Ernes physical play is valuable in the NHL. But as Yzermans rookies start to show up on the roster, maybe its time to change the culture by changing up the role players. The Red Wings havent made the playoffs in seven seasons and Yzerman may be looking for some role players who are accustomed to winning. We have seen that strategy before on teams trying to build a winning culture.
Erne was on a contract paying him an average of $2.1 million. With so many teams facing cap issues, Erne could find a stingier marketplace for role players. But proven physical players always find jobs.
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My concern is using the second round picks as trade collateral for used up vets or trading up. There are some good players to be drafted in the second so dont waste the picks.
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