Red Wings: An Early Look at Free Agents Detroit could Target

Potentially, there are a slew of free agents that could interest the Detroit Red Wings during the next offseason. The fourth offseason of Steve Yzerman‘s tenure as general manager could provide some pieces to complement what he’s begun to build.

Here’s a look at several players that could be on the list, and could be on Detroit’s wish list–should they make it to free agency.

Johnny Gaudreau

2021-22 Contract: $6,750,000

Age: 28

Position: LW

GP: 56

G: 19

A: 30

PTS: 49

Johnny Gaudreau was Calgary’s 4th round draft pick in 2011.  Prior to turning professional, Gaudreau played three years at Boston College (NCAA).

Gaudreau is entering his 9th season in the NHL and has played his entire NHL career in Calgary.  In 520 regular season games,  Gaudreau has scored 170 goals and 494 points. In 30 playoff games, Gaudreau has scored 19 points.

Prediction:  7 years with an average annual cap hit of $8,500,000

Filip Forsberg

2021-22 Contract: $6,000,000

Age: 27

Position: LW

GP: 39

G: 12

A: 20

PTS: 32

Filip Forsberg was an 11th overall pick in 2012.  Forsberg is entering his 10th season in the Nashville organization.  Forsberg has served as an alternate captain with the Predators for the last four seasons.

In 497 regular season games, Forsberg has scored 178 goals and 385 points.  In 71 playoff games, Forsberg has contributed 52 points.

Prediction: 7 years with an average annual cap hit of $8,500,000

Aleksander Barkov

2021-22 Contract: $5,900,000

Age: 26

Position: C

GP: 50

G: 26

A: 32

PTS: 58

Aleksander Barkov was a 2nd overall selection in 2013.  Barkov is entering his 9th season playing for Florida.  Barkov is entering his 4th season as captain of the Panthers.

In 529 regular season games, Barkov has scored 181 goals and 465 points.  In 16 playoff games, Barkov has accumulated 14 points.

Prediction: 7 years with an average annual cap hit of $8,500,000

Rasmus Ristolainen

2021-22 Contract: $5,400,000

Age: 26

Position: RD

GP: 49

G: 4

A: 14

PTS: 18

Rasmus Ristolainen was Buffalo’s 1st round draft pick, 8th overall in 2013.  He has played his entire eight year NHL career playing in the Buffalo organization. Ristolainen was an alternate captain with Buffalo last season.  Ristolainen will play for Philadelphia before becoming an UFA next summer.

In 542 career regular season games, Ristolainen has scored 245 points.  Ristolainen has yet to play in an NHL playoff game.

Prediction: 5 years with an average annual cap hit of $7,000,000

Mika Zibanejad

2021-22 Contract: $5,350,000

Age: 28

Position: C

GP: 56

G: 24

A: 26

PTS: 50

Ottawa drafted Mika Zibanejad 6th overall in 2011.  Zibanejad played parts of five seasons in Ottawa before being traded to the New York Rangers in 2018.  Zibanejad is entering his sixth season in New York.

In 604 regular season games, Zibanejad has scored 200 goals and 434 points.  In 31 playoff games, Zibanejad has recorded 19 points.

Prediction: 5 years with an average annual cap hit of $7,000,000

Max Domi

2021-22 Contract: $5,300,000

Age: 26

Position: C

GP: 54

G: 9

A: 15

PTS: 24

Max Domi was drafted 12th overall by Phoenix in 2013.  Prior to turning professional, Domi played four seasons with London (OHL).  He played  three seasons in Phoenix, two seasons in Montreal, and is entering his second full season in Columbus.

In 429 regular season games, Domi has scored 275 points.  In 10 playoff games, Domi has earned three assists.

Prediction: 5 years with an average annual cap hit of $6,500,000

Hampus Lindholm

2021-22 Contract: $5,205,556

Age: 27

Position: LD

GP: 18

G: 2

A: 4

PTS: 6

Hampus Lindholm was selected 6th overall in the 2012 draft.  He is entering his 9th season playing for Anaheim.

In 521 regular season games, Lindholm has scored 200 points.  In 55 playoff games, Lindholm has scored 21 points.

Prediction: 5 years with an average annual cap hit of $5,750,000

Morgan Rielly

2021-22 Contract: $5,000,000

Age: 27

Position: LD

GP: 55

G: 5

A: 30

PTS: 35

Toronto drafted Morgan Rielly 5th overall in 2012.  Rielly is entering his 9th with Toronto.  Prior to turning professional, Rielly played three years with Moose Jaw (WHL).  Rielly has been an alternate captain with the Maple Leafs for the last five seasons.

In 572 regular season games, Rielly has scored 305 points.  In 32 playoff games, Rielly has scored 19 points.

Prediction: 5 years with an average annual cap hit of $6,500,000

Ryan Pulock

2021-22 Contract: $5,000,000

Age: 26

Position: RD

GP: 56

G: 2

A: 15

PTS: 17

Ryan Pulock was selected 15th overall in 2013.  He is entering his 7th season in the NHL.  Prior to turning professional, Pulock played four seasons in Brandon (WHL).

In 290 career regular season games, Pulock has scored 125 points.  In 55 playoff games, Pulock has scored 20 points.

Prediction: 5 years with an average annual cap hit of $6,250,000