Red Wings: Analyzing Every Right Winger in the Organization
By Chris Giles
Bobby Ryan
Age: 34
GP: 33
G: 7
A: 7
PTS: 14
Bobby Ryan just completed his 14th NHL season. The veteran started strong, then faded before he finished the season on the injured list. An UFA, Ryan would like to return to Detroit, but the feeling may not be mutual as Detroit needs to find roster spots for younger players or risk losing them through waivers.
Filip Zadina
Age: 21
GP: 49
G: 6
A: 13
PTS: 19
Filip Zadina was the 6th overall selection in the 2018 draft. Zadina is entering the final year of his entry-level contract. He needs to fulfill his promise of making teams pay for not selecting him during his draft year. So far, Zadina has only scored 15 goals in 86 NHL games. Without a doubt, this is a very important contract year for Filip Zadina as he strives to become an elite scorer at the NHL level.
Sam Gagner
Age: 31
GP: 42
G: 7
A: 8
PTS: 15
Sam Gagner showed why after 14 NHL seasons, he is still worthy of a contract. He played in all situations on a reasonable contract last year. Gagner is an UFA, and if General Manager Steve Yzerman can find a spot in the lineup for him, Gagner may be re-signed for another year.
Richard Panik
Age: 30
GP: 48
G: 4
A: 9
PTS: 13
Richard Panik was a throw-in from the Anthony Mantha trade. Panik scored nine points in 36 games for Washington before his trade to Detroit. He will likely be exposed to Seattle in the Expansion Draft. If he is not selected, Panik has two years remaining on his current contract before he can become an UFA.
Givani Smith
Age: 23
GP: 16
G: 1
A: 3
PTS: 4
Givani Smith was a 2nd round selection, pick #46 in 2016. Smith also played 25 games for Grand Rapids (AHL) last year, collecting 15 points. He will likely be exposed to Seattle in the Expansion Draft. If he is not selected, Smith will have to make Detroit next year or he will have to go through waivers for the first time.
Evgeny Svechnikov
Age: 24
GP: 21
G: 3
A: 5
PTS: 8
Evgeny Svechnikov is a former 19th overall selection from the 2015 draft. He also scored two points in four games playing for Grand Rapids (AHL) last year. Svechnikov will likely be exposed to Seattle in the Expansion Draft and may be selected. He passed through waivers twice last year without being claimed. Svechnikov’s time in Detroit is running out and time will tell where he will play next year.