BOSTON, MA - MARCH 11: Boston Bruins head coach Jim Montgomery answers a question after a game between the Boston Bruins and the Detroit Red Wings on March 11, 2023, at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Fred Kfoury III/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Three Free Agents The Red Wings Shouldn’t Sign
Almost a year ago, Detroit Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman signed veteran defenseman Justin Holl (three years, $3.4 million per season) in the name of solidifying a previously leaky defense.
As it turned out, the Red Wings didn’t need Holl. The former Maple Leafs player was a frequent healthy scratch for Detroit in 2023-24, finishing with 34 games played.
Today, the Red Wings need his roster spot and his cap space. Holl is one of six veteran defensemen the Red Wings have under contrac. They would like to re-sign Shayne Gostisbehere. In addition, Simon Edvinsson and Albert Johansson are likely to make the team in training camp.
The math doesn’t work. In hindsight, the Red Wings made a signing that they didn’t need to make.
These days, Detroit fans see free agents they would like to see Detroit sign, players like Steven Stamkos or Jonathan Marchessault, particularly if they don’t re-sign Patrick Kane. But it’s equally important they don’t make any bad signings.
Here are some free agent forwards they need to avoid:
Center Adam Henrique (Edmonton Oilers)
Quality player to be sure. But Henrique turns 35 this season and this is the best season he’s had in six years. AFP Analytics projects he will sign somewhere for three years at $4.3 million. Could he get $4.5 or $5 million?
If the Red Wings lose Patrick Kane and Daniel Sprong, they will be looking for replacement goals. Henrique, on a multi-year deal, isn’t the answer.
Under different circumstances, Henrique could certainly help.
But GM Steve Yzerman’s prospect seeds are starting to bear fruit. Detroit will need roster spots for players like Marco Kasper, Nate Danielson, Carter Mazur, etc. Elmer Soderblom is still in the mix. Amadeus Lombardi is a hard-working player who could end up playing in Detroit.
The Red Wings already have five forwards tied up for three or more years, and that will be six when Lucas Raymond is signed. Joe Veleno is also going to be re-signed. Signing an older forward to a multi-year deal is not the way to go.
