The Detroit Red Wings are inching closer to the NHL Draft, but they’re also inching closer to free agency. And since they’re picking at No. 13 this season, it wouldn’t surprise me if most fans are more interested in who may be available in July, assuming the following players listed don’t re-sign with their original teams first.
Unlike some of my previous lists, which discussed some low-key free agents, this one goes all out, naming some stars, high-end restricted free agents, and just a couple of low-key players. Anyway, enough of the intro. Who could end up wearing the winged wheel this season should the Red Wings sign them to a deal in July?
1 - Mitch Marner, W/Toronto Maple Leafs
A lot of us would love to see Mitch Marner come into Hockeytown and just send this team into the stratosphere. He’s well into his prime and is likely the overall prize free agent in the 2025 class. He would immediately help the Red Wings close the gap on the Atlantic Division’s Big Three, and that would include the Toronto Maple Leafs.
2 - Aaron Ekblad, D/ Florida Panthers
If Aaron Ekblad and the Florida Panthers win another Stanley Cup, he’s a definite dream free agent signing. But even if they give the Oilers and Connor McDavid their first Stanley Cup in a while, Ekblad’s bringing a winning mindset and productivity to the Red Wings (or wherever he signs) should he not stick around in Florida.
3 - Nikolaj Ehlers, W/Winnipeg Jets
If the Red Wings couldn’t land someone like Mitch Marner, they can always look to steal a decent player from the Central Division. Nikolaj Ehlers could play wing on the top six and solidify the unit. And while he wouldn’t be a major points producer, chances are he’ll give you something between 55 and 65 per season. Not a bad number.
Oh, and he brings a blend of experience and some youth heading into what will be his age-29 season. Overall, Ehlers is still in the thick of his prime and he’s learned how to win consistently with Winnipeg.
4 - Mikael Granlund, C/Dallas Stars
Yes, someone who could step in as a legitimate 2C, even if Marco Kasper can play the role well. Still, Granlund brings experience and productivity, and he’s seen the lowest of lows and nearly the highest of highs over the past two seasons. That said, I’d bring him in based on his experience if I were looking to upgrade.
As for Kasper, I’d have two options should this occur: Put him at center on the third line, or kick him out to play wing on the top six. Either way, the Wings are getting outstanding center depth if they add a player like Granlund.
5 - Noah Dobson, D/New York Islanders
Noah Dobson should be in the New York Islanders future plans, but why shouldn’t Steve Yzerman at least try to pull off his best impersonation of Doug Armstrong here? We know what kind of offense Dobson can bring, even if he was inconsistent last season. And he would pair well with Moritz Seider, much like Quinn Hughes would if the Wings pulled off a dream trade.
6 - Dante Fabbro, D/Columbus Blue Jackets
Dante Fabbro proved he could be more than just an under-15-minute player that he was in Nashville. You can argue the Predators underutilized Fabbro and the Blue Jackets took full advantage of his talents when he landed in Columbus.
With the Blue Jackets, Fabbro appeared in 62 games, logging nine goals and 26 points. He finished with a ridiculous plus-23 and blocked 136 shots on goal. Yeah, Fabbro came to play, and he should land on quite a few radars.
7 - Henri Jokiharjju, D/Boston Bruins
One of the most underrated defensemen in the game, Henri Jokiharju’s someone you can immediately put onto the third pairing and he’ll give you a moderately physical game. At even strength, he has a career 90.8 percent on-ice save percentage, which sat at 91.4 or better during his last few seasons with the Buffalo Sabres and before they traded him to Boston.
8 - Cody Glass, F/New Jersey Devils
Another underrated player and RFA No. 2 on this list, Cody Glass came into his own during a 14-game stint with the New Jersey Devils toward the end of the season, playing middle-six minutes and converting 15.4 percent of his shots on goal.
Glass may not have lived to expectations in the NHL, but he’s shown that, when in the right system, he can put up a serviceable performance. He’d be yet another good option to replace Jonatan Berggren, should the Wings pry him away from Newark.
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