Analyzing Detroit Red Wings UFAs Before Free Agency
Age: 34
GP: 47
G: 3
A: 4
PTS: 7
2021 Salary: $3,850,000
Advantages of Signing
Darren Helm is a veteran leader of a young Detroit Red Wings locker room. After completing his 14th season in Detroit, Helm is still an effective penalty killer and terrific skater. If signed, Detroit should be able to sign Helm for a hometown discount.
Disadvantages of Signing
Helm takes up a roster spot that could be used for a younger and more affordable prospect. His lack of scoring will hinder the possibility of an extension.
Prediction
Darren Helm will not be offered a contract by Detroit.
Valtteri Filppula
Age: 37
GP: 38
G: 6
A: 9
PTS: 15
2021 Salary: $3,000,000
Advantages of Signing
Valtteri Filppula has played 16 seasons in the NHL including two stints with the Red Wings. His veteran presence and two-way play is an asset to any team.
Disadvantages of Signing
Filppula is not the player he once was. He was a healthy scratch throughout the season as Coach Jeff Blashill inserted younger players into the lineup. His cap hit is also an obstacle in re-signing the veteran forward.
Prediction
Valtteri Filppula will retire from the NHL.
Luke Glendening
Age: 32
GP: 54
G: 6
A: 9
PTS: 15
2021 Salary: $1,800,000
Advantages of Signing
Luke Glendening is a master in the faceoff circle. After completing his 8th season in Detroit, Glendening has been an alternate captain for the past two seasons. A true leader on and off the ice, Glendening is an affordable bottom six option at multiple forward positions. Glendening could also be an option at the trade deadline if Steve Yzerman wants an additional draft choice in 2022.
Disadvantages of Signing
Glendening blocks a prospect from a position in the bottom six. At this point in his career, Glendening will be looking for a multi-year contract.
Prediction
Luke Glendening signs a two year deal with Detroit for $4.0 million and a cap hit of $2.0 million annually.
Sam Gagner
Age: 31
GP: 42
G: 7
A: 8
PTS: 15
2021 Salary: $850,000
Advantages of Signing
Sam Gagner is a very affordable veteran of 14 NHL seasons. Gagner has at times been a nice contributor at both ends of the ice. He can play anywhere in the lineup and is most likely willing to sign a short term contract.
Disadvantages of Signing
Gagner blocks a roster position for a young prospect.
Prediction
Sam Gagner signs a one year deal with Detroit for $900,000.
Marc Staal
Age: 34
GP: 56
G: 3
A: 7
PTS: 10
2021 Salary: $5,700,000
Advantages of Signing
Marc Staal is a veteran of 14 NHL seasons. He is a dependable left shot defenseman. Re-signing Staal provides prospects an opportunity to continue to ripen in the AHL and in Europe.
Disadvantages to Signing
Signing Staal is going to be expensive and long-term. Staal is also not as mobile as he was earlier in his career and is often beaten by the faster and younger forwards in today’s NHL.
Prediction
Marc Staal leaves Detroit as an UFA and signs with another team.
Bobby Ryan
Age: 34
GP: 33
G: 7
A: 7
PTS: 14
2021 Salary: $1,000,000
Advantages of Signing
Bobby Ryan wants to remain in Detroit. He is terrific in the locker room with the younger players. He has a knack for scoring goals as evidenced by the four goals he scored in the first three games in a Detroit uniform. He is affordable and is willing to sign a short-term contract.
Disadvantages of Signing
The roster may not have an opening for a player like Bobby Ryan. He only scored three goals in his final 30 games this year. He finished the season prematurely due to injury.
Prediction
Bobby Ryan will not be offered a contract and will sign with another team as an UFA.
Taro Hirose
Age: 24
GP: 6
G: 0
A: 2
PTS: 2
2021 Salary: $825,000
Advantages of Signing
Taro Hirose is an affordable option if he is tendered a contract. He had a very good season mostly playing with Grand Rapids (AHL). A power play specialist, Hirose could help out offensively with a struggling Red Wings offense.
Disadvantages of Signing
At age 24, Hirose may have reached his potential as a prospect. Hirose has only played 42 games for Detroit over the three years since graduating from Michigan State University.
Prediction
Taro Hirose will test the free agency waters and sign with another NHL team.
Alex Biega
Age: 33
GP: 13
G: 0
A: 3
PTS: 3
2021 Salary: $875,000
Advantages of Signing
Alex Biega is a nice addition as a seventh defenseman. In seven NHL seasons, has played 241 games, so he brings a veteran presence into the dressing room.
Disadvantages of Signing
Re-signing Biega blocks a roster spot for a prospect who can’t be sent to Grand Rapids (AHL) without going through waivers. At this point in his career, Biega is strictly a seventh defenseman.
Prediction: Alex Biega is not offered a contract by Detroit and becomes an UFA.
Calvin Pickard
Age: 29
2021 Stats
GP: 6
Record: 2-1-1
GAA: 3.16
SV%: .874
2021 Salary: $750,000
Advantages of Signing
Calvin Pickard is a reliable third string goalie at the NHL level. He is also affordable on a short-term deal.
Disadvantages of Signing
At some point, Detroit has to bring prospects into Grand Rapids (AHL) so they can be groomed to take over at the NHL level. Re-signing Pickard blocks a goalie spot in the AHL for either Kaden Fulcher or Keith Petruzzelli if he is signed by the Red Wings this summer.
Prediction
Calvin Pickard is signed to a one year contract for $750,000, to mentor Fulcher and/or Petruzzelli in Grand Rapids.
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