The Detroit Red Wings should look at the Metropolitan Division’s free agents and think, “We can get some serious depth players here.” No, none of the names I’ve listed below will ‘wow’ you, though there are a few who carry some serious potential.
Still, I was thinking lower lines and pairings when I concocted this one, a bit of a contrast from what I had in mind with those the Wings could steal from the Atlantic. So, expect heavy hitters who would thrive on the fourth line, plus a couple of restricted free agents who I think highly of.
Eric Robinson, Carolina Hurricanes
If you want a fourth-liner who can actually produce, Eric Robinson’s your guy. He played in 82 games last season but put up 32 points and 14 goals, good for a 12.7 shooting percentage. Robinson also never lost his edge defensively, landing 123 body checks. The Wings must prioritize physical play this summer, and Robinson brings both it and a strong game.
Luke Kunin, Columbus Blue Jackets
Another fourth-liner who’s a reliable points producer, with 18 in 75 games with the San Jose Sharks and Columbus Blue Jackets, 11 of which went for goals. Kunin can also take face-offs, but getting in front of shots and landing body checks are his specialties in the defensive zone. He denied would-be shots on goal 77 times last season and compiled 187 hits.
Brian Dumoulin, New Jersey Devils
An older defenseman who could provide a veteran presence and replace Jeff Petry should the Wings go that route. Dumoulin saw action in 80 games with the Anaheim Ducks and New Jersey Devils, getting in front of 109 shots and landing 74 body checks. He can play lower second-pairing minutes, but on the Wings, I see him as a third-pairing blueliner.
Scott Perunovich, New York Islanders
Noah Dobson and Alexander Romanov overshadow Scott Perunovich as far as restricted free agent defensemen go on Long Island, but don’t make that mistake. Perunovich, whether in St. Louis or in New York, has always shown playmaking potential from the blue line, having put up 17 assists in 54 games in 2023-24. If the Red Wings could sign him from the Isles, they may have a hidden gem here.
Nicolas Aube-Kubel, New York Rangers
I know, a lot of players traded elsewhere have invaded this list - you don’t need to tell me. Anyway, Nicolas Aube-Kubel is a viable 13th/14th forward who should get about 40-50 games of reps. But when you need another hitter out there, there aren’t many better options to roll with. That said, I’m not underestimating what kind of value Aube-Kubel can bring.
Cameron York, Philadelphia Flyers
Did Cameron York wear out his welcome in Philadelphia? I can see the Red Wings (and plenty of others) inquiring about York’s availability and trade for his signing rights. He saw action in 66 games last year and logged top-four minutes, but hasn’t emerged into the two-way blueliner some may’ve envisioned. Still, he’s like Chris Tanev when it comes to blocking shots, and that would give him a lot of value in Hockeytown.
Matt Nieto, Pittsburgh Penguins
Another solid 13th/14th forward option, Matt Nieto’s made a living primarily playing on the lower lines and would bring another veteran presence to a team that could use a few more. He’s someone who will play if injuries strike or if the situation calls for it, but my logic here is that he would provide a behind-the-scenes leadership role.
Andrew Mangiapane, Washington Capitals
Seriously, if Vladimir Tarasenko tanked this past season, Steve Yzerman’s gotta find someone capable of picking up the slack or at least playing a more reliable game without breaking the bank. Enter Andrew Mangiapane, who wouldn’t be asked to put up a ton of points. Instead, he’ll score on 12 to 15 percent of his shots on goal, and give the Wings another potential moderately physical option.
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