Head to Puckpedia, which some of you do nearly religiously, and start to do the math game. Next year the team has 14 players and about 27K in estimated room.
UFA:
Patrick Kane
Christian Fischer
Tyler Motte
Jeff Petry
William Lagesson
Alex Lyon
Austin Watson (in GR currently)
RFA:
Jonatan Berggren (with arb)
Albert Johansson (with arb)
Buyout:
at this point only Abdelkader will be on buyout for 1, 055,556
Yamamoto coming off books, Husso coming off books
Who “could” be coming:
Axel Sandin-Pellikka has played 35 games in SEL with 25 points (10G, 15A) in 35 games. At the WJC 20, 10 points in 7 games (4g, 6A) and stood out. Announcers seemed impressed. He could have come to the US this past year but wanted another year in Sweden. It’s a toss up as to whether he’d do some time in Grand Rapids or can grab a spot in the NHL. Gut has him as GR but high on the call up list.
Amadeus Lombardi limited in games played (20) this is a center who wants to follow in Kasper’s footsteps. If Kasper is moved to the middle, would expect Lombardi to possibly start on the wing.
Antti Tuomisto is a big, right shot Dman who sits 6th on the Griffins in points with 2 goals, 17 assists in 40 games. Assuming that Petry moves on, this is a player the team would probably want to see compete for a spot.
Shai Buium has 15 assists in his initial Griffins campaign. Of course, just having done an interview and getting some feedback this is a player whose development has been of high interest. Shai wants to work his way up and keep going. It may be another “callup” situation. Have to wonder if he and ASP will share any ice time at camp or preseason.
William Wallinder, another big Dman (left shot) that has gotten some accolades for his skating. 13 points (2G, 11A) in 35 games. Obviously there is a roster crunch, and we need to see prospects push someone onto the waiver wire back on the blue line to get them up.
*didn’t mention Cotton or Buchelnikov. Really not sure what the organization has in mind. Had a chance to speak with Cotton and certainly seems like he could shoot for a gig in Grand Rapids. Buchelnikov signed a 2 yr deal but those can be bought out. There had been some buzz but these are hard to figure out.
Feels like they need time:
Nate Danielson - big fan of what he can do in tight with the puck and dishing it to teammates. Could be completely wrong and a competition between he and Lombardi could be there in camp.
Michael Brandsegg-Nygard - there were a few staff members who loved last year’s first round pick and it came down to either starting in Detroit or going to Sweden. Obviously he picked the latter. The numbers just aren’t there yet with 11 points (5G, 6A) overseas. Would like to see him in Grand Rapids.
The Lyon Conundrum:
For two straight years Lyon has shown stretches of play that held the team in games. There is a massive appetite for fans to see him extended. This comes down to a numbers game with Talbot being the only goalie signed for next year.
First number - 32. Lyon will be 33 at the end of the year and after being brought into the NHL in 2017, the net minder has only played 105 games, and never made more than 900k. Of those 105, 66 have been with Detroit.
As much as I’d like to see the Lyon back in the den, this may be his “career” shot to get a 4 or 5 years deal and try to make more. For this player, that’s what you want to see them get. A chance to make some $ to put away and have some stability in those final years as he gets toward 37, 38, 39. IF he is willing to do a 2 or 3 year deal, that’s another conversation. Cossa is working hard to try and get the call. Augustine is more than ready for his next step and may be one of the first prospects we see offered money to stay in college. The rules have changed big time.
The others:
Kane - he’s going to pull his own plug. Just when it looks like injury is catching up, he shows up again. Have to think that when he does hang up the skates he’ll do the 1 day Blackhawk contract.
Christian Fischer - it depends on what Grand Rapids produces. A healthy Carter Mazur (not mentioned above) is someone Detroit seemed to want last year. Just has been derailed
Tyler Motte - again, can a prospect grab that spot?
Jeff Petry - personal opinion, probably done with Detroit after this year. The guy Tuomisto could likely try and replace
William Lagesson - has played 2 games this year. Not sure what happened but feels doubtful he’ll be back
Austin Watson - this felt like a “muscle” move. However, Soderblom seems to have grabbed that spot. Always open to being wrong but has been in GR for a bit
Jonatan Berggren - a different player this year. Has arbitration, and unless he’s part of a trade seems like Detroit has found a spot for him
Albert Johansson - keep him. Seems to have come to life with the organizational changes and growing into the role.
There are trades being discussed, but in the end the prices may well be beyond what Detroit will part with. Never say never, still have some time to work and GMs will undoubtedly be on the phones during the 4 nations.
Let me know your thoughts, and as always, thank you so much for stopping by!
Detroit Red Wings Blogger • 
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