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Edmonton is out of the playoffs. Are there deals to be made? we had some pretty good back and forth as we took a look at a team that is in a strange and precarious situation. On one hand, two all world centers to build around is a good thing. On the other, all of Edmonton is afraid to make McDavid upset and see him leave town. It’s a pressure bomb.
Unfortunately, other than the possibility of signing Ryan Nugent Hopkins as a UFA, there really aren’t many pieces that make sense for Detroit. As exit interviews finished in Detroit, it was made known that Yzerman will be looking for two left handed defensemen to add to the mix for next year. Marc Staal is interested in being one of them. The former Ranger (and baritone in the leagues most popular sibling trio) was very complimentary of how the team acts on and off the ice. He mentioned that there isn’t any ego to fight against. No players seem to be making demands. No one gives up. That’s very telling on how Yzerman is building this culture.
Cap friendly lists this coming summer’s free agent left handed defensemen. In looking down the list, there are some names that are at least interesting possibilities. Marc Staal, of course, is certainly getting some consideration. My eyes settled on Ryan Murray. The 27 year old former Blue Jacket (now Devil) was once highly touted in Columbus. He’s coming off of a deal that paid him 4.5 million per season. He’s listed as averaging about 18 minutes per night. I’m not sure what his ask would be, but if it’s lower than his last deal I think it bears consideration.
With the exception of Staal, I’m primarily looking at defensemen younger than 30 in this post. Grand Rapids player Joe Hicketts is on the list. I really like Joe, but it seems like he’s not going to have a chance to stick with the program. He plays harder than some of the bigger players, for sure. Good skater, all heart, but probably not going to help solidify the blue line. 26 year old Andreas Borgman from Tampa Bay is hitting the market. Not a lot of NHL experience. 25 year old Samuel Morin from Philly is the same boat. I’m looking for players who played fairly significant minutes at this point.
Jake McCabe of Buffalo (27) logged about 19 minutes per night, but only played 13 games. He’s coming off of a 2.3 million dollar deal. Mike Reilly(27) split time between Ottawa and Boston posting an average of 19:16. Nikita Nesterov (28) of Calgary and Jamie Oleksiak (28) of Dallas may both hit the market as well. They’re at the high end of the age bracket.
One name I’d gladly invite back into the fold is Jon Merrill. He had a steadying presence for the defense and is familiar with the group. Building chemistry wouldn’t be an issue. Just a solid work horse that was a good fit this past season before being traded. Eric Gustafsson and Jared Tinordi (both 29) of Montreal and Boston respectively could also be players to keep an eye out for.
Well, take a look at the cap friendly and my list and let me know what you think. What type of player do we need to bring in. Is it another 1-2 year stop gap while we see what McIsaac and Cholowski will do? Albert Johansson will probably start the year in Grand Rapids and may not be too far away from challenging for a position.
Final thought, would you look at free agents, or is the trade market much more attractive? Teams will need to shed dollars and a good defenseman may become available. Let me know in the comments.
Check out my previous blogs:
Edmonton is out of the playoffs. Are there deals to be made?
Washington was eliminated from the playoffs
St Louis is out, any players of interest?
The internal struggle
Yzerman working in silence
Cholowski has coffee with Carly
Bernier would like an extension, and Berggren has signed his ELC.
Eemil Viro has signed his ELC, but Petruzzelli may walk.
The Yzerman Press Conference
Blashill was extended, and a mock draft has Wings picking a goalie at #6
Roster turnover
Albert Johansson playing for team Sweden
Are you rooting for former Wings Players in the playoffs?
Thanks for a great season
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