There's not a lot to be said about the 2026 unrestricted free agent class. "Shallow" is a word often used to describe it -- while there are a handful of difference-makers, there aren't enough to justify spending big in free agency.
The Detroit Red Wings have five pending unrestricted free agents: Patrick Kane, James van Riemsdyk, David Perron, Travis Hamonic and Cam Talbot. Some played well enough to earn extensions. Others have played their last game in the Winged Wheel.
Here's what should happen with each of the five pending Red Wings free agents:
Patrick Kane earned an extension
No player on the pending UFA list earned a deal more than Patrick Kane. The high-skill veteran showed he's still got what it takes at the NHL level, posting top-five numbers in team scoring. There's little to be said about Kane's prolific scoring that hasn't already been said; to put it simply, he makes offensive players around him better. While's 37 years of age and is on the down swing of his career, he's still got enough gas left in the tank for at least another year at the NHL level.
Whether that's on the second line or in a depth role remains to be seen, but it's fair to say he's earned an extension for next season. Fortunately, it looks as if there's mutual interest on both sides.
Verdict: Offer Kane a one-year extension
Not enough room on Red Wings roster for Talbot
As the Red Wings enter the next phase of their rebuild, long-time veterans will need to seek greener pastures elsewhere. While Talbot did his best with what was asked of him, it's clear that next season's backup role is between Michal Postava and Sebastian Cossa. Talbot, at 38, may still have another NHL deal within him, but it's highly unlikely he'll earn one with Detroit.
Verdict: Let Talbot walk to free agency
David Perron had mixed results with Red Wings
Those who hoped for a return to form with the addition of David Perron were left disappointed. The 37-year-old scored only three goals in 16 games with Detroit, ending his season with 28 points. Perron still brought his tenacity every night, but it was clear he isn't the player he was a few seasons back with Detroit. There's no telling what the future holds for Perron, but the Red Wings, in Yzerman's words, need to simply get better.
Another 37-year-old scoring around a 30-point pace isn't a likely solution to this.
Verdict: Let Perron walk to free agency
James van Riemsdyk could go either way
That said, another 37-year-old scoring at a 30-point pace did enough to potentially justify a one-year deal. James van Riemsdyk ended the season with 15 goals and 31 points -- sixth among Red Wings skaters in goals. While he fell off a little during the end of the season, he provided a net-front presence the Red Wings have longed for since the days of Tomas Holmstrom. With a $1M salary, van Riemsdyk gave the Red Wings a surplus of goals at an extremely affordable rate.
Still, it might do the Red Wings better to let him walk to free up a roster spot.
Verdict: Offer the same one-year, $1M contract. Let him walk if he wants longer term.
Travis Hamonic is not coming back
Just as Kane justified an extension, Hamonic justified a firing from the Red Wings. His play was borderline unconscionable last season. While the entirety of the Red Wings' woes cannot be placed on Hamonic's head, the team played subpar hockey while he was on the ice and measurably improved when he was off it. At 36 years of age (noticing a trend here?), the Red Wings can afford to do better at defense than Hamonic.
Verdict: Let Hamonic walk in free agency
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