Jeremy Laura: Red Wings need to fix defense - prospects, offer sheets, free agents, trade

There is only 3 UFA defensemen worth signing imo. Ekblad, Gavrikov and Fabbro. I wouldn't look at the others.

I don't think offer-sheets will work much this off-season. Most teams have cap space to match and could simply move other players to get some cap space or use a buyout on a bad contract.

UFAs and trades will be the options to improve.

I don't think ASP will make the team next season and Tuomisto is bottom pairing at best.

Wings need to improve a couple of things this off-season:

#1 is PK. You can't be dead last on the PK and expect to make the playoffs.

#2 is 5 on 5 scoring (scoring depth also)...this team was tied for top 5 worst for 5 on 5 scoring with the Sharks.

#3 is physical play and toughness. This team is way too soft and needs a proper physical checking line that can create some havoc on the forecheck and chip in some offense.

ASP would be the same age as Seider was when he made the team out of camp, his SHL/European pro resume is about equally good, and he’s been great at the WJC two years in a row.

On paper he seems like he would be ready to step into a top 6 NHL role next season. I understand that the game isn’t played on paper and he may ultimately need some more seasoning (or Yzerman could simply decide to start him in the AHL no matter what). But I hope he gets every opportunity to make the opening night lineup and I will be disappointed if he doesn’t.

I’ll address both at once. I think ASP has a genuine shot at making the team. I like Fabbro and Ekblad, both righty’s and I’d lean toward Ekblad for
Physicality. I think Fabbro and ASP will have a very similar game. Provorov (personally) adds to the mix. I think offer sheets will play into the season especially if “overpay” is on the table. We’ll see how it pans out, keeping in mind that if Edvinsson has a big year, he may be in line for a sizable raise after the upcoming season.

Welp, back in the states; flight from Dublin to Charlotte was cancelled so we had to play "open seat roulette" and are awaiting the flight to Charlotte. Was great having unlimited data while in the Emerald Isle!!

I agree with the priorities posted earlier above. We have GOT to get tougher & more responsible on the D-line. If there's no improvement....well, it'll be a bad day. 5-on-5 was a disaster. Would Ekblad WANT to leave FLA?? Lose tax-free $$ and a SCF contender seemingly from 3yrs ago through the next 2-4? Leave all that to go to a "rebuild"? He took a pretty big ego hit with the suspension, so he MIGHT want to. But we also have to figure out the kids, as well. There's a ton of work to do to get this team straight, and it's NOT going to be easy.

We have some great looking kids that may well be ready to go beyond "pushing" for slots on the Big Club. And, frankly, for some of them it may be time. The D-kids turned it on in GR. But what's the right balance of kids n vets? If Holl stays, I'm going to have serious reservations about next year. Kane, to me, is a must for 1 more year - he's too dang good to let go. I think Bouchard, who I have LOVED watching since he came on the scene, would be unwilling to wear the Winged Wheel. But man,could he do some damage in Red?

Welp, back in the states; flight from Dublin to Charlotte was cancelled so we had to play "open seat roulette" and are awaiting the flight to Charlotte. Was great having unlimited data while in the Emerald Isle!!

I agree with the priorities posted earlier above. We have GOT to get tougher & more responsible on the D-line. If there's no improvement....well, it'll be a bad day. 5-on-5 was a disaster. Would Ekblad WANT to leave FLA?? Lose tax-free $$ and a SCF contender seemingly from 3yrs ago through the next 2-4? Leave all that to go to a "rebuild"? He took a pretty big ego hit with the suspension, so he MIGHT want to. But we also have to figure out the kids, as well. There's a ton of work to do to get this team straight, and it's NOT going to be easy.

We have some great looking kids that may well be ready to go beyond "pushing" for slots on the Big Club. And, frankly, for some of them it may be time. The D-kids turned it on in GR. But what's the right balance of kids n vets? If Holl stays, I'm going to have serious reservations about next year. Kane, to me, is a must for 1 more year - he's too dang good to let go. I think Bouchard, who I have LOVED watching since he came on the scene, would be unwilling to wear the Winged Wheel. But man,could he do some damage in Red?
- mcmastermike1968

The real unknown on Ekblad is wondering why the team was rumored to be shopping him. I’d put up $$ for him for sure. the year Bouchard was drafted he was the kid I wanted. But, I think Edmonton would rather trade a piece or two away than lose that beast. I’ll fanboy out, but the ability to be on that Edmonton team has an inherent value. For Ekblad, I wonder if FLA looked at Vegas and will toss loyalty out the window. The trade market for teams making room may be ripe with opportunity.

Here is a fast way to get shipped out of town..

https://www.nhltraderumor...an-larkin-rips-steve.html

Here is my 25-26 D-Corps:

Ivan Provorov - Moritz Seider
Simon Edvinsson - Albert Johansson
Ben Chiarot - Axel Sandin Pellikka
Anton Johansson

Here is a fast way to get shipped out of town..

https://www.nhltraderumor...an-larkin-rips-steve.html
- StargateSG1

You didn’t read the article. That’s the opening embed. Definitely tense and from a guy who toes the line

Here is my 25-26 D-Corps:

Ivan Provorov - Moritz Seider
Simon Edvinsson - Albert Johansson
Ben Chiarot - Axel Sandin Pellikka
Anton Johansson
- Goalie Dad

I like Provorov for sure. AJ may be help back of Tuomisto. T is RFA w arb so they may have to give him a look. Anton is a beast in his short sint. Already suspended once!