It was clear to everyone that the Detroit Red Wings needed to undergo change this offseason to be competitive. Thankfully, that change appears to be on the horizon. Kevin Allen of Detroit Hockey Now reported on social media today that the Red Wings are moving on from five of their unrestricted free agents:
Patrick Kane Probably will be the only UFA they keep:
@DetHockeyNowRed Wings Report Card: JVR Spot Will Go to Youngster | Detroit Hockey Now
If what Allen is saying is true, the Red Wings plan on parting ways with Cam Talbot, Erik Gustafsson, David Perron, Travis Hamonic and James van Riemsdyk. That frees up openings in the bottom-six, middle-six, defensive depth and backup goaltender -- and that's before free agency even starts.
Most Red Wings UFAs understandable
Most of the names on this list shouldn't be a shock. Travis Hamonic was unplayable through the majority of the season. Erik Gustafsson spent the entirety of the season with the Grand Rapids Griffins and will likely pursue an NHL deal somewhere else. Cam Talbot's spot is going to one of Michal Postava or Sebastian Cossa.
While Perron did the best with what he had, it's clear he just doesn't have what it takes to keep up at the NHL level anymore. It's best to let Perron either find another deal or figure out his future elsewhere as the Red Wings look to get tougher and younger.
James van Riemsdyk the biggest surprise
The most notable surprise name listed by Allen is James van Riemsdyk, who performed very well during the winter months. van Riemsdyk ended this last season with 15 goals and 16 assists for 31 points in 72 games. Now, to be fair, he's 36 years old and likely only going to earn one-year deals for the rest of his career.
But, with that said, it seemed as if he played well enough to justify an extension. If the Red Wings are looking to make substantive change, though, freeing up van Riemsdyk's spot gives a player like Michael Brandsegg-Nygard enough leeway to make an impact on this roster.
Kane easily earned an extension
As far as a Patrick Kane extension goes, the writing was on the wall from the day the season ended. Even Kane himself suggested there was mutual interest in returning to the Red Wings. Now, per Allen, it looks as if an extension is inevitable. This shouldn't be much of a surprise, though, as Kane was the fifth-leading scorer on the team.
Despite his age, at 37 years old, Kane's still got offensive ability at the NHL level. It's likely that the Red Wings will need to shelter his minutes a little if his skating drops off, but that offense should add a little extra oomph to the team as they pursue the playoffs.
NHL free agency starts on July 1, 2026. The Red Wings have six UFAs and just one RFA - Simon Edvinsson - up or an extension.
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