3 players the Red Wings can sign from the Bruins in 2024 NHL free agency
Matt Grzelcyk, D
With Shayne Gostisbehere and Justin Holl’s futures uncertain in the Motor City, the Red Wings must find a blueliner somewhere to potentially replace them. Several players slated to be unrestricted free agents can fill the void, but Matt Grzelcyk may be available.
Grzelcyk won’t score like Gostisbehere, but if the Red Wings want someone to record third-pairing minutes who could further help them clear the net and get in front of what was one too many shots allowed this past season, the undersized but intriguing Mat Grzelcyk makes for an outstanding addition.
Plus, coming from the Bruins, Grzelcyk, like DeBrusk, is more than a familiar face. Having played against the Red Wings a few times a year and likely following what looked like an upstart team this season, Grzelcyk may not face the same type of learning curve as other blueliners who could wind up on Steve Yzerman’s shortlist.
In the past, Grzelcyk has also played borderline second-pairing minutes, so if he played better than some in the rotation or if an injury forced contingency plans, he could also move up the lineup with ease. There could be better names out there, but Grzelcyk would be more cost-effective, familiar, and he’s serviceable enough to help remedy what was one of Detroit’s biggest weaknesses in 2023-24.
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(Statistics provided by Hockey-Reference)