3 Forwards That the Red Wings Need to Pursue in Free Agency
Valeri Nichuskin, LW/RW
Valeri Nichushkin came into the league back in 2013 with the Dallas Stars. Showing signs of being a pretty good player in this league, the Stars decided to give him a chance. That wasn’t the smart move.
In his four years with the Dallas Stars, he did not do well at all from a production standpoint. He played in 223 games with them and only had 23 goals, 51 assists for 74 total points. But it was clear that he wasn’t the player they thought they were getting and that’s when he ended up in Colorado.
Since moving teams, Nichushkin has really hit his stride. More specifically, this season. Nichushkin has been incredibly valuable to the Avalanche in their current post-season run, but he was also a huge part to their organization throughout the regular season as well.
Having played in 62 games this season for the Avalanche, he was able to record 25 goals, 27 assists, for a total of 52 points. All the while having a +/- of +21. And if you look up a little bit you’ll see that in 223 games with the stars he had 23 goals; In 62 games with the Avalanche just this season, he had 25 goals. Which has always been the point that I’ve tried to make- a change of scenary may be all it takes for some of these ‘Washed up players’.
Now, even though he was very good in the regular season, he has absolutley been a force this post-season for the Avalanche. Having played in 17 games so far, he has eight goals and five assists for 13 total points. But, what’s even more surprsing is the time on ice he’s been seeing.
For his incredible efforts, the Avalanche have decided to give him an increase in ice time.
But, now it’s time to talk about why the Red Wings should sign him:
The Red Wings roster is wide open since they currently have 11 players listed as free agents. Not to mention the cap space they currently have, money is no issue if they want to go after some of the bigger names on the free agent market. But that’s not Yzerman’s style. He seems to like the depth more than the star power. That’s what Nichushkin is, except, he has proven to be a rising star.
Now, I have no idea if he’ll ever be a point per game player but truth be told, we wouldn’t need him to be. What we need him to do is be a gritty defensive player that can score in front of the net and shoot the puck on the wing.
Contract Options
Option A: 5yrs/$20,000,000($4,000,000 AAV)
Option B: 3yrs/$15,000,000($6,000,000 AAV)
Kevin Fiala, LW/RW
Kevin Fiala, if the Red Wings were to sign him, would be a perfect addition to the team. His skill-set would fit the team perfectly. Fiala and the Wild have been at odds for awhile now, and It’s incredibly unlikely that he returns to the Wild after this off-season. Therefore, the Wild have just a good a chance as any other team in the NHL so why not them.
Fiala is coming off a terrific season. He played in every game this season for the Wild and ended the season as a point per game player. He scored 33 goals, 52 assists, for 85 total points. He was also a +23. So, no matter where he goes, the one thing that we can ensure is the fact that he is going to get paid. But lucky for the Red Wings, they have the money to pay him whatever he wants. But, I say that thinking he isn’t going to get paid $8,000,000+. If he wants more than that, then Yzerman needs to look elsewhere.
Fiala, if he were to sign here, would more than likely end up on the second-line along with Jakub Vrana and maybe Joe Veleno? But, if I’m Yzerman and see this combination for a second-line, I’d be interested without a doubt. Having two solid, offensive lines would make it much easier on everyone else. This past season’s problem was that there was no production from anyone other than captain Dylan Larkin, Lucas Raymond, and Tyler Bertuzzi.
If they sign Fiala, the second-line could easily match the first lines prodcution which would make this signing worth it in every single way.
Contract Options
Option A: 5yrs/$35,000,000($7,000,000 AAV)
Option B: 4yrs/$32,000,000($8,000,000 AAV)
Filip Forsberg, LW
We talked about Kevin Fiala and Valeri Nichushkin so far, but now we get to the superstar- Filip Forsberg.
Filip Forsberg has been a staple for Nashville hockey since coming into the league in 2014. Since that point, he has done nothing except give his all to the city of Nashville. Having been drafted by the Predators back in 2011 with the 11th overall selection, he has turned out to be one of the best players in that draft class.
In his career with the Nashville Predators he has played in 566 total games. In those 566 games, he has totaled 220 goals, 249 assists for a total of 469 points. But what’s crazy about that is that even now, as a 27-year old, he seems to get better each and every season. In fact, this past season, Forsberg only played in 69 games but he hit his career high in every category. He had 42 goals and 42 assists for 84 total points. Incredibly impressive. But now they run into the problem with his potentially not re-signging due to a team like Detroit wanting him more.
More than likely, every playoff team with cap space will be looking at him. Additionally, every team that is looking to add a veteran or two that can produce will be on him as well which means there will be a bidding war without a doubt. I expect teams like New Jersey, Columbus, Winnipeg, and I’m sure many more.
Forsberg will be one of the most popular names in the market this year and rather or not he wants to go back to Nashville will be interesting. After not making it to the Stanley cup in his tenure there, it’s going to be rather interesting to see what he does. Does he want to go where the money takes him? Does he want to go play with a younger team with rising stars? He’ll have his choice of teams.
Contract Options
Option A: 4yrs/$40,000,000($10,000,000 AAV)