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St Louis moves
Credit to St Louis, Montreal and Columbus (though CBJ had a contract temporarily rejected). They are working on extensions, signing free agents, and looking forward as teams that are confident in the future. There is some risk to doing anything right now. I’m not sure how players who just signed their new contract would feel about a salary rollback before they received their first check. Still, it’s nice to see teams moving. As of now, Detroit isn’t really one of them.
Detroit’s position is extremely fluid. With little to no expectation in regards to “winning” right now, Yzerman seems content to keep things wide open until more details roll in regarding this season and next. This includes the 20 or so expiring contracts that need to be addressed. It is an interesting study in the value of flexibility for a rebuilding team. There may be a way to gain draft picks or prospects while capped out teams navigate the uncertainty facing the 20/21 season.
Michael Rasmussen Was a topic of discussion for Helene St. James. Drafted in 2017 as a big center (6’6”) who had some scoring ability, Rasmussen looked promising in that draft year. However, injuries derailed and frustrated the big centerman and he found his way down to Grand Rapids. St. James notes that Ras wouldn’t have been called up in the last 11 games of the season unless there was an opportunity at center. It seems they really want him to develop in that position, and with one more year of waiver exemption, a healthy run in Grand Rapids could still do a lot for him. Shawn Horcoff noted that Rasmussen’s size and reach are a benefit defensively, and that this is a player showing a willingness to commit to that type of game. Horcoff (along with Dan Cleary) are players who had to adapt their own games to achieve longevity in the NHL. It would be nice to have a solid 3rd line center who can help shut down teams as well as chip in some goals. I remember Jordan Staal in his Pittsburgh days. He was, in my opinion, the best 3rd line center in the league. The type of player that made life miserable and embraced that role. Rasmussen isn’t Staal, but if he can be turned into that type of player it would help a great deal.
Evgeny Svechnikov , is a player out of waiver options. Though he hasn’t “broken through” (another player plagued by injuries) I don’t think he’d pass through waivers unclaimed, especially if he is extended at a fairly low number. St James fully expects him to start the season with the team. I would caveat that by saying “unless he’s traded”. I still have a feeling that between Rasmussen and Svechnikov, one will be moved next year. Things, obviously, could change. But, Detroit’s glaring needs on defense and in net are making a miserable process even harder for players right now. If your goalie is letting in 3 or 4 goals on average, you aren’t going to have a chance. Even a good first pass defenseman who can get the puck out of the zone would be a massive step forward. Detroit was hemmed in far too often and far too easily last year.
Should the cap be rolled back (and even with subsequent salary rollbacks) there are still teams who will have to shed players. If the team attaches a draft pick or prospect, it could be a benefit to the team. Sam Gagner certainly brought some new energy. My hope of his re signing is all but gone as it sounds like Edmonton may want him back and is willing to transition him to the front office post career. With his family there (and a shot at a post season run) there is no reason to think Gagner wouldn’t jump at the chance.
The waiting game is still going strong in Detroit. At some point things are going to start moving, and when they do, I hope that it makes the future seem a little bit brighter.
Detroit Red Wings Blogger • 
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