Pat Maroon, LW
Alright, suppose someone like Jake DeBrusk re-signs with the Bruins, which given his overall youth, could be exactly what happens. Pat Maroon would make another sound addition despite heading into his age-36 season.
For one, you have a veteran who isn’t afraid to be an outspoken ‘glue’ player at this point in his long career. Detroit can use plenty of those in 2024-25, also in that infamous ‘down the stretch’ portion of the season. The journeyman also knows how to win Stanley Cups, meaning his presence would mesh ultra-well with a team that hasn’t even been to the playoffs in nearly a decade.
The Red Wings can use another player who can step in as an intimidation factor, and Maroon works well in that regard, too. Although he’s played in just 13 regular season and playoff games with the Bruins, Maroon already has 41 hits, and it shows off the intensity he would bring should the 36-year-old opt to keep playing.
He’s a player Yzerman could bring in for a minimum and on a one-year deal, play him often on the lower lines, and let him make opponents think a few times before crossing him. That will lead to sloppy play on their part, helping the Red Wings scoring units take control of games often.