Detroit Red Wings: Which free agents might Yzerman target?

The Free Agency period begins on July 28.  Many teams plan on being very busy filling out rosters and the Detroit Red Wings are no exception.

For the Red Wings, players like Dougie Hamilton and Taylor Hall are most likely not going to be available.  Detroit General Manager Steve Yzerman will likely use free agency to fill out the remaining openings that will compliment the current roster.

Here is a look at players that Yzerman should definitely inquire about.

Gabriel Landeskog

Position: LW

Age: 28

2021 Stats

GP: 54

G: 20

A: 32

PTS: 52

2021 Salary: $5,571,429

Why Detroit Should Sign Landeskog

Gabriel Landeskog is the type of forward any team would love to have.  He has been the captain of the Colorado Avalanche for the last nine seasons.  During his 10 seasons in the NHL, Landeskog has scored 512 points.  Landeskog will be looking for a long-term contract and the Red Wings have plenty of cap room, but the Avalanche are obviously going to do their best to re-sign their captain.

What It Will Take

In order to sign Gabriel Landeskog, the Red Wings will need to offer a minimum of five years at $7.0 million annually.

Ryan Nugent-Hopkins

Position: C/LW

Age: 28

2021 Stats

GP: 52

G: 16

A: 19

PTS: 35

2021 Salary: $6,000,000

Why Detroit Should Sign Nugent-Hopkins

Ryan Nugent-Hopkins is another leader that Steve Yzerman should pursue.  He has been an alternate captain in Edmonton for the last seven seasons.  During his 10 seasons in the NHL, Nugent-Hopkins and scored 478 points.  He can play anywhere in the lineup and would be a definite asset in Detroit’s lineup.  Nugent-Hopkins will also be looking for a long-term contract during this free agency period.

What It Will Take

In order to sign Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, the Red Wings will need to offer a minimum of five years at $7.0 million annually.

Mikael Granlund

Position: C/RW

Age: 29

2021 Stats

GP: 51

G: 13

A: 14

PTS: 27

2021 Salary: $3,750,000

Why Detroit Should Sign Granlund

Mikael Granlund would be a solid addition to the Detroit forward core. Granlund can play all forward positions and anywhere in the middle six of forwards.  He is a solid contributor offensively and has played in eight consecutive seasons of playoff hockey.  The term Granlund will be seeking should be in alignment with what Steve Yzerman would be willing to offer.

What It Will Take

In order to sign Mikael Granlund, it will take 2-3 years at $4,000,000 annually.

Jamie Oleksiak

Position: LD

Age: 28

2021 Stats

GP: 56

G: 6

A: 8

PTS: 14

2021 Salary: $2,137,500

Why Should Detroit Sign Jamie Oleksiak

Jamie Oleksiak is a strong two-way defenseman who has steadily improved during his nine seasons in the NHL.  He comes from a very athletic family and would be an excellent addition for multiple years on the Detroit blueline.  Oleksiak will be looking for a mid-term deal in order to sign with Detroit.

What It Will Take

In order to sign Jamie Oleksiak, the Red Wings will have to offer a minimum of three years at $3,500,000 annually.