It’s time for another round of NHL rumours. The Stanley Cup Final is here, as the action begins tonight, but there’s plenty to sift through on the pending free agent front. Teams that missed out on the post-season are looking to play meaningful hockey in late April. Some teams will try to bring in players from other teams. However, others are looking to retain some of their current skaters. Today’s NHL rumours takes a look at the Detroit Red Wings trying to meet with some pending free agent forwards.
All NHL rumours come from the original source and are subject to change.
NHL Rumours
Detroit Red Wings in Talks with Forwards
Rumour: The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun said it was a busy week for General Manager Steve Yzerman at the scouting combine in Buffalo. LeBrun said the Wings GM met with a number of agents. Some of these were for Patrick Kane, David Perron, and Lucas Raymond.
Rumblings on the Oilers, Panthers, Mitch Marner, Jake Guentzel and more from the NHL combine from @PierreVLeBrun ⤵️https://t.co/528P4ElQPo
— The Athletic NHL (@TheAthleticNHL) June 4, 2024
Analysis: Detroit just missed out on snapping the team’s eight-season Stanley Cup Playoff drought. There was plenty of promise in this roster, but there’s still work to do in getting over the hump. Detroit does need to make some moves, but there were some players that keyed the team this season.
Kane came back from hip surgery and was nearly a point-per-game player. Perron almost got 20 goals this season, while Raymond netted his first 30-goal season in his career. All three played a hand in the Red Wings’ charge towards the post-season.
Running it Back
One could do worse than bringing back all three and trying to run it back with the club. Conversely, Yzeman does need to take care of other issues. In terms of possible higher priorities, the goaltending question might need some answers, and Yzerman needs to deal with other signings as well.
The main questions are trying to find the right contract fits for Raymond and defenceman Moritz Seider. Both players are restricted free agents (RFAs), but both don’t have arbitration rights. However, Yzerman would probably be wise to get at least a multi-year contract for both players. The duo are likely going to be the cornerstones of this roster. Detroit also has Joe Veleno as an RFA, but he has arbitration rights.
The Veteran Conundrum
One of the main things that could weigh on having Kane and Perron return is age. Both forwards are well into their thirties and in the latter stages of their respective careers. Perron is 36 years old, while Kane is 35. Both players bring a wealth of experience and had productive years. However, when is the expiration date for these players?
According to LeBrun, Perron’s agent, Allan Walsh, said there was mutual interest in a deal. Perron did make $4.75 million, but could there be some wiggle room for a more team-friendly deal? Moreover, Yzerman probably wants to get the lay of the land when it comes to the RFAs first. One wonders if there will be room for Perron in the team’s future plans.
Wings and Things
The cap going up does help out a bit, but there’s still only a finite amount of money to go around. Yzerman likely wants to get his young players locked down and then worry about the rest.
Both Kane and Perron are still useful players at this time and could help a team willing to sign them. Kane did take a risk on himself by signing a $2.75 million deal after he was cleared to start practice. He might be looking for one last shot at another Stanley Cup ring before calling it a career.
All three players want to get Detroit back among the league’s best teams. However, it’s all a matter of making it fit and the dollars making sense.
Main photo by: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
