Cutting the Dead Weight; Red Wings' 2021 UFA's and RFA's
If there’s one thing that can be ascertained by Red Wings fans from Yzerman’s decision to move on from Mantha, it’s the fact that nobody is really safe. While the likelihood of anyone drafted since 2018 being dealt or Dylan Larkin is slim, there's a number of genuinely good hockey players that could find themselves in new uniforms as the Red Wings' rebuild continues along.
The Mantha deal has left many of us to believe that General Manager Steve Yzerman has a course plotted for the Wings that could see some form of contention begin in 4 to 5 years. There are far too many variables and circumstances to attempt to plot a course that far ahead with any certainty but each step along the way will play a pivotal role in the shaping of what could be a championship-caliber team in Detroit.
The upcoming expansion draft and entry draft play no small role, but they have more implications for the future than they do the present.
Yzerman has decisions to make for his current roster. There are a total of 19 players between the current roster, injury reserve, and taxi squad with expiring deals, whether UFA or RFA, that have to be addressed.
For the purpose of this article, I won't take Grand Rapids into much consideration. There will undoubtedly be signings through Detroit that are specifically for a severe depth option and to help Grand Rapids in terms of development and fielding a competitive roster. I'm only taking into consideration the deals that will specifically have an impact on Detroit, even if there's still significant value to the Grand Rapids Griffins.
The expansion draft will take place before free agency opens, so there could be a scenario where one of the players listed below is no longer with the team.
Unrestricted Free Agents Class of 2021:
Darren Helm, Valtteri Filppula, Luke Glendening, Sam Gagner, Marc Staal, Alex Biega, Jonathan Bernier, Bobby Ryan, Calvin Pickard, Taro Hirose, Dominic Turgeon, Elson Turner, Kyle Criscuolo, Joe Hicketts, Dylan McIlrath, Kevin Boyle
The Keepers
Luke Glendening
Glendening is a faceoff specialist and a penalty-killing phenom, as well as a home-grown Michigan man. He's going to come in at a low cost with flexible contract length to what the team needs. It's a win-win if he's willing to stay and he'd become a very noticeable loss if he left the team. A relentlessly hard worker, Glendening has a lot to give in terms of teaching some of these incoming younger players.
Glendening is unlikely to still be playing at the level he has been lately in 4 to 5 years when the Wings can start to actually compete if all goes according to plan. He's an essential piece of the current squad but he shouldn't be considered a piece of the core moving forward. This a move for "the now".
Expiring Contract: $1.8M x 4 Years
Contract Prediction: $2M x 2 Years
Keeping the contract short term maintains the roster flexibility that Yzerman has painstakingly created in Detroit. Glendening's value to the team is undeniable but it isn't a value that's going to get him much more money on the open market.
Glendening's return won't have any real impact on potential ice time for prospects coming into Detroit in 2021/22. The prospects coming in and attempting to make names for themselves and carve out permanent roster spots shouldn't be relegated to a fourth-line role where they can't succeed and, if they can make the case for themselves in training camp, will help alleviate pressure on Head Coach Jeff Blashill (assuming he's back) to move Glendening throughout the lineup by having better options.
Taro Hirose
Taro "Taco" Hirose hasn't exactly been given much time in Detroit, playing in only 6 games through the 2020/2021 campaign, but it's hard to ignore his production in the AHL. He might never take the next step to be a producer with the Red Wings, but his production is valuable enough just to Grand Rapids to warrant him getting a short-term extension in a "show me" fashion. Give the kid another year, another chance at training camp to make a name for himself.
If it doesn't work out, there's really no harm besides a check from Chris Ilitch. If he can take that next step he could force himself into the rebuilding equation at only 24.
Expiring Contract: $825K x 1 Year
Contract Prediction: $850K x 1 Year
Again, Hirose isn't a player that is likely to blow us away in the NHL, but Detroit was starved for offensive production all year long. It could be worth giving Hirose a shot with the Red Wings to produce offense on a team that can't really seem to manage any. If it doesn't work, Grand Rapids gets another year with a high-quality minor league scorer, which will help Wings prospects currently in their system build and develop confidence.
Hirose adds to the competition in training camp for forward-roster-spots. Competition is always healthy for younger players, and his availability to challenge for a roster spot night pushes players like Berggren and Raymond to perform even more so with their spots far from guaranteed.
Jonathan Bernier
This is a short one. Bernier had more than a few good showings for the Red Wings through his last contract, and the Wings don't exactly have anyone in line to take his spot. Greiss and Bernier can be a good duo for the Wings while things get straightened out towards the future.
There are a few interesting potential options hitting the free agency market this coming off-season but Bernier is a safe bet that Detroit knows well to help guard the crease with Greiss.
Expiring Contract: $3M x 3 Years
Contract Prediction: $3.2M x 1 Year
Neither goaltender in Detroit is a long-term solution. I'd be comfortable giving Bernier 2 years, maybe even 3, if there was some certainty that either one of them could be moved easily if something came up. Bernier has put in a solid body of work during most of his tenure with Detroit and could demand a higher salary and longer-term, which could lead to Yzerman pursuing different options.
With neither current goaltender coming close to fitting the rebuild timeline in Detroit, it's unlikely Yzerman will sacrifice roster flexibility for Bernier.
Dylan McIlrath
Something Detroit sorely lacked throughout the year was violence. I'm not advocating for a return to tomfoolery and goons, but there needs to be a level of fear in our opponents to deter them from taking runs at our stars. This is especially relevant in the context of a rebuild, where inexperienced kids are likely to come in and out of the lineup and are subjected to punishment from experienced NHLers.
McIlrath is a small part of that being fixed. He's fearless, throws the body frequently, and can scrap with the best of them. He's hardly a long-term solution for the Wings but could rotate in and out of the lineup situationally. With the right defensive partner, McIlrath could even contribute at an NHL level, even if at 29 he hasn't seen much NHL time at all.
This is another deal that will greatly benefit Grand Rapids as well. That shouldn't be the main consideration for Yzerman, but the defensive depth, experience, and physicality that McIlrath can bring will make him an appealing option to be one of the only re-signings in the UFA class.
Expiring Contract: $700K x 2 Years
New Contract: $800K x 1 Year
A one-year deal is ideal here. If he can't stick in the lineup, even as an "enforcer" of sorts, move on quickly. He can stay in Grand Rapids on an AHL deal without Detroit's involvement, but considering some of the "future endeavors" listed below, it makes a fair amount of sense to keep McIlrath around for one more year.
On the Fringe
Sam Gagner; Gagner could come back to Detroit, but he's less valuable than Glendening, and space needs to be created and maintained for younger, better players making their way into the organization. If there's still space I'm all for Gagner's return who had great analytics in the defensive end. Detroit was starved for offense this past season and Gagner is hardly a solution to that issue, but from a "defense first" perspective he fits the bill rather well. Listed in order of what should be Detroit's preference, only one of Glendening, Gagner, or Filppula should be brought back.
Valtteri Filppula; In the same sense as Gagner, Filppula has his value but the team has more than enough "veteran presence". There's no reason to bring Filppula back if some of the other roster players are still going to be around (Nielsen) but if some are moved, Filppula has value when deployed correctly. It just wouldn't make sense for Detroit to bring back Filppula if Nielsen is available next season along with Glendening or Gagner.
Marc Staal; Despite an extremely rocky start in Detroit, Staal showed value as the season progressed to the point where he was considered a potential trade candidate at the deadline. Detroit still needs to field a defensive unit with the only likely internal addition to be Moritz Seider. Bringing back Staal isn't the worst move in the world, but there are other options on the open market that could prove more valuable than Staal, even if they come at a higher price point. If Staal can provide veteran leadership and good quality defensive play in a limited role, his return wouldn't really hurt the Wings. Another one-year contract is ideal here.
Bobby Ryan; Ryan might have accidentally hinted that his career was over but he was a quick fan favorite and by all accounts a great locker room presence. Keeping him around for the incoming kids could prove to be extremely valuable. His offensive production wasn't all that bad either. If he's willing to come back and isn't calling it a career due to injury, I'm all for the re-sign. The only counterpoint is the ice time. Unlike Glendening's fourth line and penalty-killing roles, Ryan is an offensive player that's going to be absorbing at minimum third-line minutes. This takes up valuable ice time that could otherwise be available to a much younger and potentially better player. If training camp goes as well as some would hope and any combination of Raymond, Berggren, Hirose, Svechnikov, or Smith prove their worth and challenge for a full-time spot, a player like Ryan could end up in the way. It seems unlikely that Raymond and Berggren would immediately make Detroit's roster as opposed to learning the North American game in Grand Rapids, but Ryan's return impacting potential ice time for Svechnikov and/or Smith alone seems preposterous for a rebuilding franchise.
Future Endeavors
Darren Helm; Helm hasn't shown any real value to the team that can't be easily replaced. There's no validating his ice time over younger players that are ready to take the next step, and Detroit has and can pursue better veteran depth options on the lineup. He doesn't have the speed anymore that he made his name on and he completely lacks any finish. He isn't good enough in the defensive zone alone to warrant his return.
Alex Biega; Seen enough and it wasn't enough. His leaving creates the void in the lineup necessary for Seider to get consistent ice time. He can be replaced for depth purposes with better options on the open market or by re-signing McIlrath. Biega's position on the right side is filled by Seider, Hronek, Stecher, and Lindstrom.
Dominic Turgeon; Turgeon shouldn't really be considered for the NHL at this point and bringing him back would only have value for the Griffins.
Calvin Pickard; Pickard had that one good game in Detroit when injuries were running rampant, but aside from being a potential third-string in case of injury, he has no real value to Detroit in the long run or immediate future.
Elson Turner, Kyle Criscuolo, Joe Hicketts, Kevin Boyle; AHL players. There was a fair amount of hope revolving around Hicketts eventually being a full-time Red Wing a few years ago but his time to make the roster and make an impact has long since passed. He's too small and doesn't have enough "other" qualities to make up for that at an NHL level.
If Yzerman were to follow this path, including wishing the four "On the Fringe" players the best of luck in their future endeavors, a total of 15 out of 19 UFAs would be shown the door, opening up six spots on the Red Wings roster that were consistently taken up by players now on the way out. That creates more than enough room to see some full-time promotions for younger players, leaves space to absorb undesirable contracts without it being a total waste, and allows Yzerman to continue to pursue some more lucrative short-term options when free agency opens.
Restricted Free Agents Class of 2021:
Jakub Vrana, Adam Erne, Michael Rasmussen, Evgeny Svechnikov, Christian Djoos, Dennis Cholowski, Gustav Lindstrom, Filip Hronek, Tyler Bertuzzi, Mathias Brome, Chase Pearson, Hayden Verbeek, Givani Smith
A lot more interesting than the lackluster UFA class that saw the vast majority of players leaving the organization, the RFA class has a lot of potential keepers. At some point, Detroit will need to field a 23-man roster. With 6 roster players leaving on the UFA list (and 9 more depth options through Grand Rapids and Toledo) there are some players on this list who aren't really necessary to bring back but need to stay just to keep the team afloat.
Yzerman could go out and sign unrestricted free agents when free agency opens, but there aren't likely to be very many matches that could outperform some of the players who are still in-house with Detroit maintaining considerable control over their contracts.
The Keepers
Jakub Vrana
There shouldn't be any consideration to Vrana not being re-signed. Arguably the biggest piece of the deal that sent Anthony Mantha to Washington, Vrana's point production has consistently grown throughout his career and he will be given an unprecedented opportunity to play big minutes with Detroit in the future. He's going to come with a fairly heavy price tag given his record coming into the contract negotiations, but Yzerman should be able to maintain a decent semblance of control given Vrana's newcomer status as a Red Wing with a lot to prove potentially playing with Dylan Larkin on a nightly basis.
Expiring Contract: $3.35M x 2 Years
Contract Prediction: $5.25M x 4 Years
The new deal would take Vrana to 29 and right to the proposed beginning of the Red Wings' window of contending. This allows some flexibility to renegotiate the contract down the road. If Vrana continues to perform well he would be looking at one last big-money contract that takes him into his mid-30s. If not, it's easy to walk away and pursue bigger targets on the open market should Yzerman decide to do so at that time.
Vrana hit the ground running in Detroit and comes with an impressive pedigree, including a Stanley Cup Ring, from his time with the Washington Capitals. At the same time, it wouldn't be surprising to see Steve "The Wizard" Yzerman perform another fleece, this time in-house, and sign Vrana much closer to the $4M mark. Either way, getting Vrana's production on a cheaper deal than Anthony Mantha should be considered as a win for Detroit.
Adam Erne
Let's avoid getting ahead of ourselves and not call Erne's impressive 8-game scoring streak a "breakout season". Erne did well, well enough to warrant a potential return to Detroit, but he's not going to be called upon frequently for point production. Erne does a lot of things well in the game of hockey and will help the Wings have some semblance of scoring depth. He's also still young enough (26) that he could be considered a good piece for the team if and when they begin contending for a Stanley Cup. If the window is supposed to be opening in 4-5 years, Erne would be providing his services for Detroit's bottom six at only 30/31 years old. Hardly a youngster but still of an age where his decline shouldn't be noticeable yet, or at least not rapid.
Expiring Contract: $997K x 1 Year
New Contract: $1.2M x 2 Years
Doing the thing Yzerman has been doing best in his brief time with Detroit, avoidance of long-term commitment to any player that could be replaced is essential. $1.2M is a fair price for Erne assuming he's not going to net much more than 20 points in a season. He also shouldn't be getting all too much power-play time once the rest of the roster starts to fill in, which will cement the 2020/21 campaign as an outlier. The two-year commitment gives Erne some stability and gives Yzerman a good roster piece for the bottom six that can rotate in or out of the lineup as necessary.
His ice time, like Glendening, shouldn't have too much impact on any incoming prospects during the contract duration because of his role as a bottom line forward. He can be put on the power play to some effectiveness but if there's a better (younger) option he can easily be taken back out.
Michael Rasmussen
Yzerman or any sane or competent General Manager in the NHL is not going to let Rasmussen walk after the improvements he showed this season. He's noticeably improved his skating and puck possession skills. He's starting to show the type of player that Ken Holland expected him to be when he was drafted 9th overall in 2017.
His name isn't synonymous with the Red Wings' "young core", or at least not nearly to the extent of Larkin, Seider, and Zadina. That doesn't mean he isn't a necessary piece of it currently. At only 22 years old he'll just be hitting his stride as a fully grown and experienced adult in 4-5 years when the Wings are supposed to be a legitimate playoff threat or at least trending in that direction. Until Veleno begins to prove himself at the NHL level, Rasmussen is the current, realistic "next up" center after Dylan Larkin when one thinks that far into the future.
Expiring Contract: $894K x 3 Years (ELC)
Contract Prediction: $2M x 2 Years
Rasmussen is going to get a raise from his ELC but hasn't shown quite enough to warrant anything expensive or overly long-term. This deal will expire as an RFA and be viewed as a "prove it" deal. Rasmussen's realistic projection as a third-line center and power-play specialist could earn him a more lucrative long-term deal at 24 if there's enough cost control to keep the Wings' budget rolling along. One of Yzerman's few slights in Tampa Bay was paying role players (Gourde, Johnson) far too much for far too long. A mistake Red Wings fans aren't too unfamiliar with after Ken Holland.
Rasmussen fits the rebuild timeline and has shown sizeable improvements. If his ask is more term and still low money, there are not many reasons to avoid going for it.
Evgeny Svechnikov
The elder Svechnikov brother gave me a bit of pause when deciding if he should stay or go. By all accounts, he doesn't seem to be much of a priority to the Red Wings having been put on waivers (and clearing) twice this past season. He's been a healthy scratch at times even as the team rolled with an ill-advised 11-7 lineup in the wake of accumulating injuries.
It's even fair to say that Svechnikov hasn't been given ample opportunity with the Wings during his time in the lineup, despite statistically having earned them. Svechnikov has produced respectable points despite playing on a team focused on defense first and being given limited ice time with below replacement level linemates.
If the Wings do bring Svechnikov back, that has to change. There's no point in retaining the 24-year-old just to him sit on the sidelines or not be given a fair shake. He's still young enough that he can fit into the rebuild and has shown tremendous flexibility moving up and down the lineup. He was effective playing on the top line with Dylan Larkin and was effective playing on the third line with players like Frans Nielsen.
Expiring Contract: $874K x 1 Year
Contract Prediction: $1.8M x 1 Year
The Wings in this scenario throw Svechnikov another "prove it" deal with the intent of actually letting him do so. Dependent on what prospects can make the team out of training camp, Svechnikov can almost be guaranteed consistent top 9 ice time with the Red Wings and may even see more competent linemates in the worst-case scenario.
It's unlikely that Berggren and Raymond will make the team out of camp instead of spending time adjusting to the North American game in Grand Rapids, giving Svechnikov the benefit of the doubt and the opportunity to prove himself on a consistent basis.
When the deal expires there will be a clearer idea on the timeline required for Berggren and Raymond to be consistent producers for the Red Wings. After a full year of "proving it" the Wings will be able to either move on or extend Svechnikov to a longer-term deal to be a real part of the team moving forward. Despite clearing waivers twice he could build himself some trade value if given a consistent opportunity if that becomes the route that Detroit wants to take.
Dennis Cholowski
Cholowski has had a roller coaster of development so far in his career. He hit the scene in 2018/19 looking like every bit the stud that Red Wings fans hoped he would be. Then he fell into mediocrity, spending most of his time since then in the AHL. During his tenure this season he's had more than a few noticeable mistakes and has produced very little. If Cholowski is going to make it in the NHL it's going to be an offensive threat from the blueline, but as a defenseman, he still needs to be accountable in his own zone.
That said, Cholowski is only 23. Defensemen are well known to typically take longer to develop and learn the game at an NHL level. It would be wholly irresponsible to give up on Cholowski so early in his career. While he hasn't taken the strides in his development that many have hoped for, he should still be considered a factor in this rebuild even if he isn't a "make it or break it" piece.
Expiring Contract: $894K x 3 Years (ELC)
Contract Prediction: $2M x 3 Years
The new contract takes Cholowski to 26 and if given the proper opportunities will expire with the Wings knowing full well what they have in Dennis. Assuming he will be a full-time Red Wing moving forward, 3 more seasons is adequate time to develop and measure what Cholowski will be throughout his career.
The theme with all these re-signings is roster flexibility down the line. 3 years gives Yzerman the ability to extend Cholowski with some cost control as the Wings begin contending shortly after (if on schedule) without committing salary cap to potentially non-essential players that could end up handicapping the Red Wings attempt at relevancy.
Gustav Lindstrom
He's one letter in his surname from the greatest defensemen of all time, so why not?
In all seriousness, Lindstrom is only 22 and is already on his second abbreviated tour of duty with the Red Wings. His potential ceiling isn't exactly jaw-dropping but his rapid development into a reliable defenseman isn't something that should be overlooked. Lindstrom could end up carving out a long-term role on the right side of the third pairing, helping to slowly transition Detroit's defense from a joke to a position of strength. While the left side of the defense still has a considerable amount of work to be done, the right side consisting of Seider, Hronek, and Lindstrom could actually be competitive if given the right pairings.
Lindstrom, like Cholowski, is too young to simply give away with the amount of progression he has shown even in such a small window. He'll be extended a qualifying offer and might even just accept that. Like Svechnikov, he may not be an essential piece of the young core moving forward, but he could still be a considerable asset to the Wings both now and in the future.
Expiring Contract: $775K x 3 Years (ELC)
Contract Prediction: $800K x 3 Years
With a sub-$1M salary a 3-year commitment is fine. Lindstrom shouldn't face many internal challenges to hold a spot on the right side moving forward aside from Stecher. One of the four of Stecher, Seider, Hronek, or Lindstrom may even be looked at on their "off" side to play left defense short term.
Stecher has shown stretches of strong play for Detroit but isn't going to be viewed as a long term solution at 27 years old, so he should have no impact on Lindstrom remaining with the team, albeit he may impact Lindstrom's ice time in the short term and could even force Lindstrom to start in Grand Rapids next season.
Filip Hronek
There's no question that Detroit's number one defenseman is going to be re-signed unless another Mantha-esque deal (too good to refuse) comes along. Hronek spent much of the season exposed, his offensive production staying about on pace for his career average while his defensive game left a lot to be desired. That's perfectly fine as the most realistic of Red Wings pundits will tell you; Defense is not exactly Hronek's forte and he is not meant for a top pairing role.
Hronek got away with things in the past due to pairings. With Kronwall gone and DeKeyser all but done, Hronek had most of the responsibility and blame placed solely on his shoulders. His offensive production, while staying mostly on pace, has suffered under the defensive system that Head Coach Jeff Blashill has deployed.
As Seider develops and pushes Hronek out of that first pairing role, we will begin to see the Hronek that we all became infatuated with re-emerging. He's not as bad as he may have seemed this season, and his statistics reflect a player who was over-extended and put outside of his comfort zone. When his role is reduced his effectiveness will improve.
Expiring Contract: $714K x 3 Years (ELC)
Contract Prediction: $4M x 4 Years
The stalwart 4x4 deal is ideal for Hronek. He may spend another season or even two as Detroit's de facto number one guy but Seider's play in the SHL should prove to any doubters that he's going to have a long career as a top-pairing defenseman. It's important to not commit too much term or salary to Hronek out of respect for Seider's inevitable payday and the fact that Hronek will have his role on the team reduced when Seider shows he's ready to play at that level in the NHL, which could be as soon as next season. $4M is fair for a second pairing "D" averaging around 0.5 P/GP under the assumption that Seider could come in and take away some of Hronek's burden immediately. If there's an intention for Hronek to continue to accumulate top-pairing minutes for a considerable amount of time, the salary might increase.
Tyler Bertuzzi
Bertuzzi is a tricky one to predict, thanks in part to most estimations being pretty far off after arbitration last season. Bertuzzi was awarded what most thought to be an extremely team-friendly contract, only to play 9 games and miss the rest of the season. He was extremely effective in those 9 games with 5 goals and 7 points, but it's hardly enough of a sample size to demand a raise. His season-ending injury could be enough of a talking point to take away money.
It's an interesting situation that Yzerman will have to navigate carefully. Mantha was considered a key part of the core, signed a far more expensive deal with the medium term, and was then dealt with at the deadline. While Bertuzzi and Mantha are completely different players, they're the same age. Bertuzzi can't be expecting much more blind loyalty than was shown to Mantha, whose inconsistent effort (not a problem with Bertuzzi by any stretch of the imagination) showed him the door.
Bertuzzi is the type of player who will excel in the playoffs and is the exact type of player that elevates teams into true cup contenders. He's a skilled player with an incredible work ethic.
Expiring Contract: $3.5M x 1 Year
Contract Prediction: $3.5M x 1 Year
Rinse, repeat, let's do this again. There's nothing more fair than awarding the exact same contract in this scenario. Bertuzzi was supposed to show out and earn a long-term big-money contract last season but injury prevented that. Yzerman essentially calling a do-over here helps Bertuzzi and the Red Wings move forward effectively. There won't be any poor relations here by attempting to undercut Bertuzzi further, and there won't be any inflated egos by demanding a bigger salary despite barely playing.
The beautiful part of that contract is Bertuzzi immediately becomes substantial trade bait. The contract is fairly affordable given the type of contribution Bertuzzi will likely have. The type of player he is will make Bertuzzi the dream "rental" for any contending team approaching the deadline, which could result in Detroit getting another picture-perfect offer as they received for Mantha. If they don't get that offer, I don't think there are many fans in Hockeytown who are in a hurry to see Bertuzzi leave.
Givani Smith
Smith drew the attention and love from the Red Wings' faithful in the absence of Bertuzzi. He's hard on the forecheck, consistent in all 3 zones, a good hitter, and an even better scrapper. The 23-year-old was given a few looks at the NHL level and impressed each time. The only reason he's not a full-time Red Wing right now is due to roster spots and the ability to develop just a bit more with the Griffins where he maintains nearly a point per game pace.
Smith could be a very interesting option for Detroit's third line moving forward, spending time on all special teams and allowing the Wings an amount of confidence in pulling young players to the big leagues with some level of protection from a modern-day enforcer.
Expiring Contract: $725K x 3 Years (ELC)
Contract Prediction: $900K x 3 Years
Smith has looked great each time he's been called up and despite his role is producing extremely well at the AHL level. There's little reason beyond this season to not give him a full-time roster spot, but he hasn't exactly "earned" a contract otherwise. Giving him a standard rookie extension in this scenario is ideal for Yzerman and Smith alike and avoids the stigma of over-commitment to role players.
Chase Pearson
To this point, Pearson has been an AHL player only and at 23 has yet to see a call-up to the NHL. He's been a driving force behind the Griffins’ success in the abbreviated 2020/21 AHL season, and could prove to be a valuable depth option at Center should a prospect with "more promise" miss an extended period of time.
Pearson at this point is unlikely to be a consistent NHL player but could be valuable to both Detroit and Grand Rapids short term should he remain with the team.
Expiring Contract: $858K x 2 Years (ELC)
Contract Prediction: $900K x 1 Year
Roster flexibility and decent depth options in the event of injury is the key reason to retain Pearson. The contract is player and team-friendly and seems like a no-brainer to accept on both ends.
Future Endeavors
Christian Djoos; While Djoos allowed for a few funny memes, he didn't show nearly enough to warrant keeping him around. He was a risk-free pickup on the waiver wire and should likely be released. During the final stretch of the season due mostly to compiling injuries, Detroit went 11-7 and Djoos still couldn't consistently crack the lineup over players like DeKeyser and Biega. Although there aren't really any losses besides a bit of money, it's in Detroit's best interest to cut them.
Hayden Verbeek; Aside from being the nephew to Red Wings Assistant General Manager Pat Verbeek, there isn't much to talk about with Hayden. He hasn't been able to succeed or even maintain a consistent roster spot in the AHL, which doesn't leave much hope for him to make the NHL. There wasn't much clarity why he was part of the deal that sent a criminally undervalued Jon Merrill to Montreal, but there really isn't any solid reason to keep him around on an NHL contract.
Mathias Brome; Brome was a fun experiment and he showed a lot of promise early in the season. He wasn't able to hold a consistent roster spot and despite flashes of brilliance his skill just didn't seem up to par when it came to facing NHL talent. Like Kaski and Sulak before him, Brome is another failed attempt at mining a gem out of the European leagues and is likely to return there when this season concludes.
In totality, the expiring contracts in Detroit clear approximately $42.25M off the books, with the supposed re-signings in this article only bringing back $28.98M. According to CapFriendly, this would leave the Wings with almost $20M in cap space to sign more short-term assurance plugs like Yzerman did this past season or to absorb poorly constructed contracts at a cost. The most important asset of the movements would be opening spots on the roster for players who, realistically, probably should have had them this past season. Helm and Gagner specifically leaving open two massive spots for players like Svechnikov and Smith to make the lineup full time. Filppula's departure makes room for Veleno should he be ready to come training camp.
Yzerman will do an absolute wonder in keeping this roster flexible and giving an opportunity to any prospect or youngster who deserves it. The trajectory of the rebuild is dependent on this roster getting younger and younger and gradually becoming more competitive.
#LGRW
