Detroit Red Wings: 5 free agent forwards to target this off-season
By Tyler Kotila
The Detroit Red Wings should consider signing James van Riemsdyk.
Listen, signing a 34-year-old forward never sounds the most appealing, but the Detroit Red Wings were reportedly looking to acquire James van Riemsdyk on the trade deadline day in 2022-23. The exact details of the deal never emerged, and it may have been a situation where the Red Wings ate his contract to allow the deal to go through.
However, it may not be the worst thing in the world for the Red Wings to consider going out to grab James van Riemsdyk this off-season. In 2022-23, van Riemsdyk played in 61 games, where he scored 12 goals and had 17 assists for 29 total points.
He was down on the year from where he has been in the past, but adding a veteran forward similar to David Perron last year, hoping to spark a resurgence and allow him to anchor a bottom-six role with the Red Wings.
He may not be the most desirable option out there. But the Red Wings should really consider adding him to their bottom six at the right price.
Another veteran for the Detroit Red Wings to consider: Jason Zucker
Jason Zucker is a 31-year-old forward who had a great season in 2022-23. He was a consistent performer with the Minnesota Wild but took a step back during his time with the Pittsburgh Penguins, never really getting back up to speed until this year at least.
Zucker stayed healthy this year and played in 78 games, where he scored 27 goals, added 21 points, and totaled 48 points. He’s one of those players who can play the game on both ends of the ice but excels offensively.
When firing on all cylinders, he’s someone who benefits alongside stars—being able to slot him in alongside Dylan Larkin or even on the other wing from Lucas Raymond. The Red Wings should certainly consider targeting Jason Zucker.