Unsigned Players
The Detroit Red Wings have two unsigned players that are expected to play for Detroit this season. Both Filip Hronek and Givani Smith remain unsigned entering the final half of August. here is a look at what we can expect once both players sign.
Filip Hronek
Filip Hronek just completed his three-year entry-level contract. The deal had an average annual cap hit of $714,166. I believe he’ll sign a new deal in the range of $1.5-2.0 million annually prior to training camp. His new deal will be either two or three years.
Givani Smith
Givani Smith also completed his three-year entry-level contract. His deal also had an average annual cap hit of $714,166. Expect him to sign a new deal in the $1.2-1.4 million range. His new deal will also be in the two to three year range.
Final Thoughts
With 20 players signed and two players remaining un-signed, the Detroit Red Wings currently have the third lowest payroll in the NHL behind Buffalo and Ottawa. The current projected cap hit is slightly over $62 million. After Hronek and Smith are signed, the cap hit will be in the $66 million range. This will leave Detroit General manager Steve Yzerman with just over $14 million in cap space. This space will be required as the salary cap will remain stable for at least this season and an expected increase in the cap of $1 million is expected for the 2022-23 season. Detroit will also have nine UFA’s and two RFA’s next summer. Expect the Detroit roster to remain fluid until the prospects start to filter into the Red Wings roster.