The Detroit Red Wings were one of many teams surprised to see Keith Yandle, Ryan Suter, and Zach Parise hit the market due to buyouts. Certainly, Detroit has needs everywhere on the roster. Would there be any value in signing any of the three to a short term deal, with the possibility of flipping them at the deadline?
Let’s take a look at all three. For the purposes of the article, I included how much money each player is still owed cumulatively, and then breaking down the original salary prior to the buyout. Finally, I included the new yearly salary post-buyout so it helps to give reasoning behind my new contract range.
Ryan Suter
Remaining Salary to be Paid by Minnesota: $6.7M
New Yearly Salary: $833k (8 years)
Original Salary 2021-22: $6M
Original Salary 2022-23: $2M
Original Salary 2023-25: $1M per season
Likely New Contract Range ($) 3M – $4.5M
Why It would work: Suter is still a very good defenseman. According to Evolving-Hockey, his GAR was 8.0 and he still logged over 22 minutes of ice time per night at 36. Detroit desperately needs to a dependable left hand shot and Suter would do that and more. With Moritz Seider likely on the opening night roster, imagine a pairing of Suter and Seider (it even sounds pretty good).
The Red Wings have cap room to spare, could offer him a nice deal with short term, and likely deal him to a contender at the trade deadline.
Why it wouldn’t work: Why at this stage in his career would he want to go to a rebuilding team? Furthermore, contending teams looking to supplement their blue line with a proven defenseman, this is someone on a short term they’d be willing to take on knowing it could pay dividends.
In other words, they’ll be lining up and not only offering money, but a chance at the Stanley Cup. Suter will still get paid and can use his original salary to help.
Likelihood of it happening: As likely as the Red Wings winning the Cup next season. This isn’t to be snarky but to be realistic. Suter is in the twilight of his career and has never advanced beyond the second round of the playoffs. There are a number of teams who could offer him an opportunity beyond that. Sadly, the Wings aren’t in this category.
Zach Parise
Remaining Salary to be Paid by Minnesota: $6.7M (2/3 of $10M)
New Yearly Salary: $833k (8 years)
Original Salary 2021-22: $6M
Original Salary 2022-23: $2M
Original Salary 2023-25: $1M per season
Likely New Contract Range ($) 1M – 1.5M
Why it would work: Parise was a healthy scratch at times last season, including the playoffs, but would be an affordable veteran presence to help nudge the team through the season. If Parise is game, it could be a similar deal to Bobby Ryan’s. It would give him the chance to show everyone that he is indeed the good hockey player he says he is while possibly drumming up some interest for a contending team at the deadline.
Why it wouldn’t work: Parise’s one shot at the Stanley Cup came in 2012 when his New Jersey Devils bowed out to the eventual champion Los Angeles Kings. Contenders are always looking for the unsung players at an affordable price and Parise may have a bit more left in the tank to fit that. Why wouldn’t he want another chance to finally win the Cup?
Likelihood of it happening: 50/50. This really depends on the marketplace, how teams value Parise, and what he’s looking for. Should they need a good veteran presence, and he’s the right price, it’s a possibility. Otherwise if seen on the wrong side of productivity, the Wings have their best chance signing Parise over the other two on this list.
Keith Yandle
Remaining Salary to be Paid by Florida: $4.97M
New Yearly Salary: $1.24M (4 years)
Original Salary 2021-22: $5.25M
Original Salary 2022-23: $2.2M
Likely New Contract Range ($) 1.5M -$3M
Why it would work: Yandle could be a tonic for the offensive scoring woes that plagues Detroit. The Red Wings lack a true power play quarterback and Yandle would help bridge that gap until the younger players coming up are ready to serve in that role. He’s a left hand shot and would also be a steady locker room presence.
Why it wouldn’t work: The Red Wings are all about playing responsible in both ends, and Yandle is very similar to Mike Green–the upside offensively but often a liability in his own zone. Advanced stats also tell a story that shows why Florida bought him out. Yandle’s GAR has steadily fallen each season (as Florida has gotten better) but he was second in scoring among defensemen on the team with 27 points (3-24). Finally like the others above, he might want a shot with a contender more than a rebuilding team.
Likelihood of it happening: Unlikely. Yandle would slot in well with a team set with a top pairing and looking to slot someone in either in the bottom half of the top four or having a very solid third pairing. Beyond that, Yandle doesn’t seem like a protoypical Yzerman or Blashill guy. While there’s a slight chance here, expect Yandle to go elsewhere to have a shot at the Cup.