Red Wings: Breaking Down the Top 10 Potential Targets This Off-Season

Tony DeAngelo, RHD

I recently wrote about Tony DeAngelo and why I feel the Red Wings should target him, but it should be reiterated just how much his talent would elevate the Red Wings.

The Red Wings defensive corps right now would look like:

Edvinsson-Seider

Oesterle-Hronek

Walman-Lindstrom

Now, you look at the right side and are probably content with a trio of Seider, Hronek, and Lindstrom. And that’s a fair assumption. But, let me take you a step further and ask, with Edvinsson, Johansson, Sebrango, Viro, and Wallinder all being left-handed defenseman, do you really feel that the left-side defense is a problem?

With all of those names I listed being left-handed, I’m not too worried about the left-side. However, after Seider and Hronek, the right-side doesn’t really have anybody. That’s one of the reasons why this signing could be so beneficial. But, it’s not the only reason.

This past season, DeAngelo played in 64 games for the Hurricanes. In those 64 games he put up 10 goals and 41 assists for 51 total points. On top of that, he was playing top lines minutes averaging just under 20 minutes of ice time.

DeAngelo would likely drop Hronek down to the third line which I don’t really like. However, when you look at the big picture, Hronek being on the third line because of the other two guys ahead of him speaks to the talent you have.

DeAngelo is also a very good defenseman due to his physicality and willingness to face anyone and everyone. And I have to be honest, that’s one of the reasons I really want him.

When you have a young team like the Red Wings, It’s important to make sure that you back them. If the opposition lays a bad hit on them or starts playing in a way that is disrespectful, DeAngelo will drop with them and we don’t really have a guy like that right now. Well, none that really puts fear into the other guy. There’s no banger on this team like him.

Now, I’m sure you’re saying that this signing is still pointless and unrealistic. However, after the season he just had, he’s going to make some money. And although the Hurricanes have some money, they don’t have the cap flexibility that the Red Wings have. That could make the Red Wings a potential suitor for him.