Detroit’s list for the expansion draft doesn’t inspire any great concern on players who could be lost. Will it wouldn’t be great to watch Stecher move back to the west coast, it’s not something that throws the rebuild off track. In truth, there doesn’t seem to be any irreplaceable talent on the list. It’s also serves as a reminder of first round picks that haven’t panned out in Cholowski and Svechnikov.
The expansion draft is tomorrow, and so the waiting will finally be over. It’s actually more exciting to see how other teams (Montreal and St. Louis for starters) cope with their own losses. It’s rumored that teams are asking Seattle to take Tarasenko and trade him (retaining part of his contract). The wheeling and dealing will continue right until the end.
At this point, it’s much easier to look forward. Again, there isn’t any “hand wringing” or Old Testament style shirt rip involved. That’s good, because unlike the old (really old) days, I can’t sew. Anything that rips finds new life cleaning and polishing guitars.
As a reminder, here are Detroit’s RFAs:
Tyler Bertuzzi
Adam Erne
Jakub Vrana
Evgeny Svechnikov (exposed)
Michael Rasmussen
Mathias Brome (back overseas)
Christian Djoos (back overseas)
Filip Hronek
Dennis Cholowski (exposed)
Gustav Lindstrom
Givani Smith
Hayden Verbeek
Chase Pearson
It’s a healthy list, in terms of size. The obvious standouts are Bertuzzi, Vrana and Hronek. Rasmussen had a bit of a “redemption” campaign as Yzerman was impressed with his efforts. Rasmussen went from the doghouse to regular lineup. It was reported/rumored that when Yzerman first came to Detroit he wasn’t impressed with the big centerman. It took a lot of hard work and willingness to adapt to turn that around.
Early in the year, Svechnikov was the most popular departure for the expansion draft among readers. Cholowski doesn’t seem to move the needle for anyone, except as possible trade fodder. He’s still young, and can certainly step up his efforts. For me, personally, the biggest disappointment is what Detroit gave up. Chycrun is still a defenseman i would give up a lot for. A 23 year old stud on the blue line, if AZ wanted first round pick and good player, I’d at least have to give it some serious thought. 2 first round picks? I don’t know where you stop, but that kid is something special. And it makes the deal that brought Cholowski and Nielsen to Detroit just turn in your stomach.
The protection of Lindstrom and Smith appears to have an attached inclination that both will be given some sort of opportunity. Otherwise, why bother? The bottom 6 is being flushed out as Filppula and Helm seem likely to be moving on. Smith has shown the ability to be a net front presence, as well as a physical presence. His work ethic is fantastic, and that’s what you need in the bottom 6. Lindstrom is also a physical player. My hope is that he continues to work on his skating. Both could slot in as PK players.
What will be interesting to see is if Yzerman continues to make short terms offers. Bertuzzi ended up with a 1 year deal last year, but injuries derailed him. Vrana almost doubled his production coming over from Washington (was at 11 goals, scored 8 in 11 games at a 50% shooting rate). Vrana has eclipsed 20 goals twice (24 and 25). If Yzerman wants a 1 year deal for either Bertuzzi is coming off of a 3.5 and Vrana 3.35 deal. It would probably be at the 4.5 area and both players are arbitration eligible.
Hronek, in my opinion, is worth a long term deal. He’s not arbitration eligible, but certainly carrying the load currently on the blue line. If Yzerman goes short term again, it will likely be to Hronek’s benefit.
At this point, there are only 2 contracts on the books for next season. Larkin and Newpower. That is unbelievable. The GM has completely flushed the system. In 3 years. Dylan Larkin is the only contract left from Holland. That should impress everyone. The slate is blank, and only players that Yzerman values will continue to be a part of the organization.
The rebuild is in an interesting spot. To quote an old Monty Python, “we built a castle, and it sank into the swamp. We built another, and that one sank into the swamp. Then I build a third one, and that one burned down, fell over and sank into the swamp. But the fourth one stood!” Yzerman had some mishmash teams to work with. Those disbanded. The foundation is scraped and clean. The first ever pick for Detroit by Steve Yzerman is slated to join the team this year. It truly feels like the end of the last regime and the complete takeover of the new. It may not be a great season in the standings, but it certainly stands to be a glimpse of a great future.
Detroit Red Wings Blogger • 
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