Bob Duff: Kronwall Presents Perplexing Problem At 38, Niklas Kronwall led the Detroit Red Wings with 79 games played. But his contract is up and the Wings already have three veteran defensemen signed for 2019-20.

If Holland were still Red Wings GM Kronwall would be re-signed. With Yzerman here he won't. Neither will Vanek. Hopefully Ericsson is bought out. He only has a year left on his contract. Hronek and Cholowski should both be on this team next season.

If Holland were still Red Wings GM Kronwall would be re-signed. With Yzerman here he won't. Neither will Vanek. Hopefully Ericsson is bought out. He only has a year left on his contract. Hronek and Cholowski should both be on this team next season.
- gergeswillems

Doubt anyone will be bought out, but if it comes to that I'd rather see Daley go. Smaller cap penalty for the year after next, and for as terrible as Ericsson is I honestly think Daley is straight up worse.

Also, please retire, Nik.

No need to waste future cap space on a buyout at this time.

No need to waste future cap space on a buyout at this time.
- Feds91Stammer

In general I agree, although it might become more necessary on the off chance that something really unexpected happens (like, say, Yzerman brings in a top pair D via trade). Otherwise yeah, just let the clock run down on those contracts.

In general I agree, although it might become more necessary on the off chance that something really unexpected happens (like, say, Yzerman brings in a top pair D via trade). Otherwise yeah, just let the clock run down on those contracts.
- Sven22

It's more about opening up roster spots for the young defensemen to get playing time. Dekeyser, Green and Daley are still here. Then you have Cholowski, Hronek and Bowey. McIlrath was just re-signed but he'll likely be in the AHL again. What about Hicketts and Sulak? Does Ericsson stay and sit in the press box? Buying him out would be 2 million this year and 2 million next year on the Cap. Red Wings don't really need the cap space if they're truly rebuilding. Hank and Franzen will be on LTIR again. Kronwall and Vanek are off the books. I guess it all depends on which players Yzerman likes. I'm fine if Ericsson sits in the press box each night. I don't want him playing. I'm all for Holland trading for a top 4 defenseman. This is now possible with "play it safe" Holland gone.

In general I agree, although it might become more necessary on the off chance that something really unexpected happens (like, say, Yzerman brings in a top pair D via trade). Otherwise yeah, just let the clock run down on those contracts.
- Sven22

I would strongly consider an Abdelkader buyout in a year.

I would strongly consider an Abdelkader buyout in a year.
- Feds91Stammer

Couldn't we just break his legs and put him on LTIR instead?

Seriously though, while I would rather pay 2 million for an empty roster spot than $4.25 million for Abdelkader, buying him out even next season would still be a hefty chunk of change for an uncomfortably long time.

I would strongly consider an Abdelkader buyout in a year.
- Feds91Stammer

Delete your account and go back to HFBoards!

Delete your account and go back to HFBoards!
- StargateSG1