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My second summer reading post took a look at the world’s funniest bar fight. Chris Chelios just seems to know how to get a laugh out of almost any situation and this was no exception. “Made in America” Chris Chelios and Kevin Allen is one of my favorite hockey reads, well worth picking up at
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Frank Seravalli penned a top 20 trade target list. We know that the coup de gras for this summer season is Jack Eichel (though some could argue that Reinhart may be better overall value) and the pieces needed to get the captain out of Buffalo may be a bit rich for Yzerman’s blood. There’s also a concern about Eichel’s physical health (made public that he wanted surgery) and his state of mind right now. A jaded player may not be the best fit in the locker room while Yzerman creates the “culture”.
First, let’s take a look at players who could be a possible fit, but with the caveat that the asking price or situation may make them difficult or impossible to attain.
At #4 is Conor Garland. For whatever reason, Arizona is stalled in contract talks after 2 different offers. Depending on the asking price, right shot winger could be an interesting “get” for Yzerman and co. I don’t know what numbers Garland’s camp is looking for, and ownership in AZ openly talks about wanting to dump salary. Let me know if you think Garland could be a fit.
At #6 is Dougie Hamilton. What had been a conversation about 7.5 to 8.5 million in salary is now climbing up to 10 million. The number of teams interested have pushed the price up, and Seattle can offer him and 8th year. I’d love Hamilton, but I think he’s priced out of Detroit.
#7 Sam Reinhart - the buzz has been that phone calls have gone more toward Reinhart than toward Hamilton. (Take it with a grain of salt). In reality, Buffalo should hang on to Reinhart. Eichel is gone, but Reinhart can be a leader in the room. I don’t think Yzerman wants to meet the ask. Rumors have been a first round pick in this and next year’s draft. CBJ should be all over Eichel and/or Reinhart. They need a center badly and have extra picks.
#9 Jake Debrusk - out of nowhere Debrusk found himself scratched. Boston fell in love with Hall, and if they re sign him Debrusk could hit the market. At 24 the winger fits in well with the core age, no idea what the ask would be.
#13 - Dante Fabbro. I know Detroit doesn’t need right side defense nearly as badly as left side, but this name intrigued me. I don’t know if he’s actually on the market or if this is just negotiation “balloons” being floated. At 23, Fabbro went from being beloved to scratched. He’s looking for a raise and has arbitration rights. Once Hamilton and Ristolainen are off the market, Fabbro could be a player other teams who want right side help could look at. If the rumor that he’s on the block is true, his value may have dropped a bit.
#14 Vince Dunn. This is the best fit of the list. Left side defenseman, 24. He’s an RFA with arbitration. If you can negotiate the deal and the acquisition of his rights isn’t too pricey, I would hope Yzerman is all over this.
#15 Chris Driedger (rights) - Detroit’s cupboards for goalies is bare. Petruzzelli seems sure to move on, and he was the top name in the system. (Not saying he’s the franchise goalie, just the best at the time). Driedger is 27, UFA, posted .927 in 23 games last year. There’s a rumor that Detroit could look at grabbing one of CBJs tenders, so that could negate this one
#16 Travis Dermott - another left side defenseman. Toronto may be exploring a trade due to concern about losing Dermott in the expansion draft. As with everything, what is the ask? Another arbitration eligible RFA, so a deal would have to be negotiated before the deal could be done.
#17 Warren Foegle - the 25 year old RFA wants more ice time. He could benefit from a team like Detroit where jobs can be had. RFA with arbitration rights, and the trade chatter on Foegle is picking up steam. Carolina is unhappy with their first round exit and it’s possible Martinook could also be moving to a new team.
#20 Sami Niku- former AHL defenseman of the year, left side D. 1 year with 725 k remaining. Unless there’s a massive ask, this is a low risk acquisition that could turn out well.
Those are some of the fits, but many have caveats. Johnny Gaudreau is intriguing, but not sure the acquisition would be possible. Rickard Rakell also intrigues me, but the cost could be really high.
The next players I’m listing are just not a good fit (in my mind).
Jack Eichel - again, a king’s ransom is being asked for a player who may start the year on IR and has openly expressed disgust about the team. Detroit is in a rebuild, and I’m not sure the environment here would be the best for Jack or the team.
Seth Jones - high asking price, won’t commit to an extension. The team who gets him knows they only have him (guaranteed) for 1 year. CBJ has been burned by that enough times.
Evgeny Kuznetsov - Detroit needs centers, but definitely doesn’t need drama. While I think EK gets over examined in everything he does at this point, it’s still a situation that feels a bit murky. If Yzerman were to bring him in, then he would have faith that there could be some turn around. At 29 with 4 years left at 7.8m, maybe just walk on by.
Evander Kane - is there a player who’s caused more turmoil on and off the ice in the current NHL? Jettisoned from Winnipeg (drafted when they were Atlanta still) stories of him being toxic “in the room” followed him to Buffalo. More stories of locker room problems and 3-4 lawsuits followed him cross country to San Jose. And this year, multiple teammates mentioned him in exit interviews as a problem. His financial nightmares nearly led to a cancellation in his contract to be able to get out of paying debtors. His entire 49 million dollar deal would either barely cover (or not cover) the loans he took out on that contract (plus over 2 million in casino debt). He can play, he can score, he’s a bear to play against on the ice. But, after his third franchise exit due to being an issue, this is not a great idea for a rebuilding club.
Rasmus Ristolainen - I actually like Risto. However, he’s in the same boat of being jaded and only has one more year on his current deal. Another right side D, if Yzerman made it work I wouldn’t complain. Just feels like there are a lot of waters to wade through. PIttsburgh and Philadelphia have both kicked the tires here.
Well, what do you think? I left Oliver Ekman-Larsson out. Left side, 29, 6 years at 8.25 million. If he’s on the downswing, that could be a brutal contract. Voracek and Stralman just don’t feel like a good fit either. Let me know if someone stands out that might not have previously. Thoughts on the asking prices are always welcome. See you in the comments.
Check out some of my previous posts
My second “Gear Corner” talked a bit about gloves.
The Golden Knights are out of the playoffs.
Updated mock drafts have Detroit looking at Wallstedt, Eklund and Edvinsson.
Helm and Filppula could be moving on.
Jared McIsaac may finally be healthy enough to have a solid pro year.
My first “summer reading post” covered Chelios’s career defining fib.
Friday was my first gear corner with Doug Todd from Warrior Hockey.
Albert Johansson won’t be competing for a spot in North America this season
I will be featuring the writings of Kevin Allen for a summer reading program this year. It’s tough to break up the summer months, and the one on one formats that Kevin has perfected is not only a pleasure to read but gives insight that isn’t easy to come by. I’ll be starting with Chris Chelios “Made in America”.
Colorado is out of the playoffs.
Isle be darned, Boston is out 
Detroit Red Wings Blogger • 
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