The Renaissance Man
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I’ve taken a look at 2 types of players for the Red Wings that could spend some time in Europe during the long wait for next season. The first group are the fringe NHL/AHL players who don’t have a guaranteed spot.
The second group is made up of European players who want to get some ice time and reps to break up the 10 month layoff. Players who can connect with a team near their overseas home.
The third group is what I’m calling the “renaissance” group. I’m not talking about the odd rpg loving friends who have a closet full of clothes made of burlap and an affinity for bacteria laden home brew. These delightful acquaintances who disappear for a month to enjoy turkey legs, jousting, and shaming period incorrect wardrobe. Instead, I’m looking to the root meaning of the word itself, which means “rebirth”.
Each year there are players who don’t feel ready to retire but can’t secure an NHL position. Instead of riding the buses in the AHL, the players look to hone their craft in the SHL, the KHL, or men’s leagues that are excited to have a player with NHL experience.
James Wisnewsk was one such player. He was the “belle of the ball” in terms of free agents in the summer of 2011. The right shot defenseman that everyone in the world seemed to need. Detroit wanted to bring him into the fold, but he ultimately signed with Columbus (refusing all invitations to meet with Detroit. It was rumored there was “bad blood” due to the firing of a relative.). At the time, the 5.5 million he received in Columbus seemed a bit outside the market value, but Columbus was trying to build something special. (Jeff Carter was also brought in). An early suspension combined with multiple injuries found him traded to Anaheim, and then to Carolina where within 47 seconds he had a torn ACL and the season was done. He was bought out, and after an unsuccessful PTO with Tampa Bay, decided to the KHL to try and regain his form. 16 games later he was in a European league. The player everyone needed now found himself on the outside lookin in.
Wisnewski had once remarked that he was surprised how quickly the league forgets about you. He made one more attempt with an AHL tryout for the Chicago Wolves and ultimately made his way back to Europe. His thought process was sound. Keep playing and try again. The league continues to get younger and roster spots that had once belonged to the mid salary level veterans is reserved for ELC and league minimum candidates. The model seems to be 3 - 5 high salary stars and everyone else. This puts veterans in a tough spot.
And so, there will be a handful of veterans taking advantage of a fall start overseas hoping to find themselves in the sights of teams who need to add a piece or two. For Detroit, there aren’t many of these players, if any.
Trevor Daley - 36 with some hard miles. If Daley decides it’s time to hang them up, it will be completely understandable. He’s been part of championship teams, and had a 17 year pro career. The “average” NHL career is around 5 years, so he’s clearly been able to bring value to teams for a while. The rigors of playing in the AHL probably wouldn’t be attractive. If this veteran defenseman wants to see if there’s something left in the tank, I’d expect a trip to the Swiss or German leagues.
Jonathan Ericsson - also 36, Detroit fans have counted down the contract for big E. Injuries derailed his career, and he’s admitted to needing multiple surgeries that would likely be career ending. If the desire is there to play, he’s likely to skate in Sweden, close to his family and friends. More than trying to get noticed back in North America, Ericsson may want to get back to just enjoying the game. It has been a hard road.
Cody Goloubef - one of the minor deals that didn’t really move the needle this year, at 30 CG may not be ready to hang them up. With the AHL season in the air, he could have his agent find him a spot in the SHL, SEL or KHL. This move could be as much about paid employment as trying to bring value for another NHL shot.
Some honorable mentions from some of the other 7 teams off until December would be - Wayne Simmonds, MIchael Frolik, Mikael Bodkker, Michael Del Zotto, Trevor Lewis, and a huge longshot in Joe Thornton. All players without contracts who will want to try and get signed. Their best shot is to have a couple months of competition and show that they still have gas in the tank.
And so, there it is. Three categories of players who could well find themselves skating overseas due to this layoff. I hope you’ve enjoyed taking a look at this. It will be interesting to see if there is a fairly large movement in the coming weeks. Keep an eye out!
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