Red Wings Have More Work to Do in Offseason

Buschy breaks down some free agent signings for the Detroit Red Wings and explains why NOT signing some players may have helped the team out in the long run. What else do they have to do to improve the team?
TikTok: / healthyscratch2023
Twitter: / healthyscratch6
Buschy on Twitter: / buschrwr
DAILY AND YEAR LONG FANTASY HOCKEY ANALYSIS
5v5hockey.com

[@nathanbyberg]

I’m very happy we still have Patrick Kane!

[@leviklynstra8975]

@ScottStenlund-x9m Sorry but that reasoning makes no sense. The Sens were at the bottom of the league last year. Adding one good goaltender is not going to change things that much. The Wings on the other hand were one of the highest scoring teams last year, so clearly offense wasnt the problem. Stevie has done a nice job locking things down on the back-end. With the addition of Talbot and with Edvinsson and Seider coming back, it is a lot stronger defensively. Plus, Yzerman has all off-season to make some trades and signings.

[@nathanbyberg]

@@leviklynstra8975 : Totally agree with you! We almost made the playoffs with Kane on our team!

[@nathanbyberg]

@ScottStenlund-x9m : Your comment makes no sense, and the new season hasn’t even started yet! Let’s wait and see how it plays out!

[@HealthyScratchRedWingsReport]

So pumped that he's back!

[@StickinAroundHockey]

Gotta think at this point that the cap space was made for bringing in cap due to trades, not free agency

[@HealthyScratchRedWingsReport]

That’s what I’m thinking, the trade market is probably the way to go now

[@michelleleeginger5225]

Or the youth?

[@StickinAroundHockey]

@@michelleleeginger5225 youth is really cheap because they're on ELCs

[@Mike-ix5sv]

I was pretty negative about the signings and lack there of, but im starting to come around. I completely agree that Detroit dodged bullets with some of these contracts being handed out. It is disappointing to see the wings competition making moves to improve and or extend their competitive windows while detroit basically stands pat, however, The positives I see are as follows 1. Theres good players still potentially available via trade, many possible suitors have taken themselves out of the running after spending big in FA. 2. Minimal signings could signal a bigger youth movement than expected. This is two fold- young guys graduating to the nhl, and young guys already on the squad taking on a larger role. We already know edvinsson is on this team full time going forward, as well as jonnie burgers and albert Johansson, barring something drastic. Between kaspers strong 2nd half and danielson, last year almost making it out of camp, then having a very good final year of junior, perhaps yzerman anticipates one of them taking a job. An example of a young guy taking on a bigger role this year is Seider. With ghost gone, seider will clearly be running PP1. I assume thats why they didnt bring ghost back, Seider is getting his big boy contract, go do the big boy job and be a true #1. This also makes sense why detroit would be intrested in trouba, someone to take a few tough minutes from seider so he can develop the offensive side of his game. The team needs to be better defensively, not retaining a PP specialist whose a black hole on D helps. Regarding all the goalies now in the system, gotta imagine something is up with husso that we dont know about. Perhaps its likely he ends up on LTIR, or perhaps he gets bought out during the 2nd buyout window during arbitration. It would have been to risky to buy him out before free agency.

[@HealthyScratchRedWingsReport]

I think we're pretty much on the same page!

[@braydoncarter7448]

I would love to see sprong back at like 2x2.5 to 3 mill. He was such a solid piece for the price

[@john_michaelz1823]

You are fucking high. Paying $3mil for a defensive siv that can only play 7 min per game because he turns the puck over so much is ludicrous. He'll get signed for a one year $1.75 mil somewhere else or he's out of the league back in the AHL for 850k.

[@Thrashman-ye4cf]

He turned into a liability on defense for a while this past year though, even got him healthy scratched quite a few times.

[@NHLGodfather]

Where are you going to get a 4th liner who is a potential 20 goal scorer on the cheap? Sprong is your man and he scored some timely goals last season. He's a bargain and should be brought back. BTW: He's not as bad defensively as some posts claim here. He's fast and pretty clever with the puck. Sign the Dutchman!

[@jennifermorris9985]

@NHLGodfather he was horrible defensively. He had one of the worst xGA/60 on the team despite not facing the hardest opposition. Plus that 4th line was caved in repeatedly on the road when the opponents could comtrol the match ups.

[@cinuhhmon4207]

@@john_michaelz1823Warren Foegle just got a 3x3.5 and he’s basically the same player. He’s more activated in parts of the ice that Sprong struggles, but is still a guy putting up 20 goals, 40 points, whilst playing 4th line minutes. There’s definitely a lot of value to Spronger, just probably not for the Wings anymore because we can’t afford defensive lapses.

[@MyHandleShouldBeLessCharacters]

Yzerman said day 1 during the press conference April 19th, 2019.. He asked us for Patience. This takes time without 1 overall picks. Do you realize just how bad our boy Kenny Holland left us? Please, fair-weather fans, see your way out of here and wait a year or two.. We are fighting to get in the playoffs.. We're not building to be a one and done like Washington or St Louis, we are building to be in it every year. Tampa just threw in the towel. Their window is likely closing soon. I'd be stunned if they beat Florida next year.

[@davidkruse4030]

Actually if we follow your logic of listening to yzerman he said holland left us in good shape with all the draft picks. I am sorry most of yzerman picks have not paned out so far.

[@cameronfranke8566]

@@davidkruse4030your wrong

[@CodyHeimbach]

​@@davidkruse4030Huh? Everyone was thrashing Yzerman for picking Seider. How did that work out?

[@HealthyScratchRedWingsReport]

Yea you're right about the patience part and we have to trust he's building it properly. When all these prospects come in they'd better move the needle eventually. People need to realize dumb moves now will tank their chances years from now

[@HealthyScratchRedWingsReport]

Have you even glimpsed the dumpster fire Holland left here? The roster was an AHL team with zero prospects in the system. And as for most of his picks not panning out, respectfully, what are you talking about 2020 - Seider - Calder Trophy 2020 - Johansson - making debut this season 2020 - Soderblom - has played NHL games 2021 - Raymond - stud top line forward 2022 - Edvinsson - top 4 rookie defenceman 2022 - Cossa - trending to be an NHL goalie 2023 - Marco Kasper - has played an NHL game, still a rookie And the rest take time

[@AJBFPS]

you said gustafsson is a "ghost lite" but honestly I think he will be better then both walman and ghost in terms of value, prob not a lot of offense or as much as those guys but the actual defence will be a lot of better. Ghost was a liability on defense especially towards the end and I loved both players.

[@HealthyScratchRedWingsReport]

I said that not as a slight, just saying they’re the same type of player

[@michelleleeginger5225]

Absolutely, I would cringe every time the puck would be sent back to him 😬 and it would end up a break away 😠😡🤬

[@AJBFPS]

@@HealthyScratchRedWingsReport makes sense I just thought personally the biggest difference between the two was how much better we got at actual defense. Loved the video!

[@davidkruse4030]

Good take on the outrageous contracts signed by other teams. I wanted to call 971 the ticket today when they were blasting Yzerman. If Yzerman doesn’t do anything else this is a problem but I don’t think he is done. Either way the wings don’t need these bad contracts. Toronto made some awful moves

[@HealthyScratchRedWingsReport]

97.1 makes my blood pressure skyrocket when they attempt hockey talk. It's all audio clickbait

[@kylet9116]

Your assessment is pretty spot on in my view. I think there is something in the works still. No press conference by steve makes me think the same thing. Big youth movement has to happen. They are all ripening now. Might be a little step back but big things from here.

[@michelleleeginger5225]

Totally agree!

[@HealthyScratchRedWingsReport]

Totally agree as well!

[@dalewood1744]

SY is signing players to fill out the GR roster because he is: (1)planning to bring up four top forwards from GR. (2) going to take a chance on goaley Cossa. and (3) he is planning to trade, dump ,or buy out under-performing players. These steps should free-up enough salary cap money to make one "block-buster" addition.

[@davids9520]

Young forwards. Danielson, Soderblom, Bergram, Mazar. Some may click. Some may not. You still have veterans to fill in. They have extra goaltenders. They can trade a goalie But still have three goalies, and one could be Cossa. After they sign Valeno, Raymond and Seider, they will probably have $10 million under the cap. Room for trades with teams. If they can get Trouba, squeeze hard on the Rangers who really want to trade him. Make NY retain more salary. Have NY toss in draft choices. Take some chances, without over spending. Feed on the overspending teams.

[@mattl2642]

If they sign mo and raymond to 8 year deals they'll have just enough to sign berggren and veleno to short term deals

[@patrickgaughan1199]

Trouba isn't leaving NY this year. It's all but confirmed at this point.

[@michelleleeginger5225]

​@@mattl2642Trade Berggron,and who cares about Veleno? He's a bust.

[@MrHunterbg]

Looking at where Nashville is at, we’re really not ready to start making these moves. Nashville has a really good base and all they needed was a couple more goal scorers. No Norris winner, no Vezina contender. I think Yzerman is still waiting for something else to happen, or just doesn’t feel ready for those splashes.

[@MyHandleShouldBeLessCharacters]

But we may have the Norris and Vezina in our system.. so patience. Yzerman said 4/19/2019 be patient..i am. And I believe.

[@nicholasspears2025]

Thank you for calming me down, I was worried this was it, though I am excited to see the young guys I only need to see a couple

[@HealthyScratchRedWingsReport]

No problem! I know there's a bit of panic out there right now but when you think about it the prices were just insane

[@nwahr]

I think the Jack Campbell signing could be brilliant if he can get his confidence back. No Risk. I would have been in on Skinner or Foegle.

[@aaronkosharskyswhiteknight5224]

No defense for wings lol. Good luck

[@MyHandleShouldBeLessCharacters]

​@aaronkosharskyswhiteknight5224 Mo, Ed, Al? And now Gusty..i think we'll be significantly better.

[@codyfrisby911]

Jack will back up Cossa in the minors.

[@leviklynstra8975]

​@@aaronkosharskyswhiteknight5224you also need to realize this is just DAY ONE of free agency and the true beginning of the offseason. Stevie does not need to do everything in one day.

[@Thrashman-ye4cf]

Jack Campbell is definitely an AHL signing. Only way I see him playing games with the Wings this year is if a goalie gets hurt (knock on wood) or if he’s just out of this world amazing with the Griffins and one of the wings starters is falling off lol

[@cameronfranke8566]

I agree with all of this

[@derekhand7904]

There some soild top six winger up for trade, like Buchnevich, Ehlers or Necas hopefully Stevie can get one of those guys. And i kinda talked my self into wanting Trouba at a reduced salary. I know his play isn’t what it used to be, but the wings really need 2nd pair righty and tuff-ness. Others then that these young guns need some playing time.

[@michelleleeginger5225]

I'm okay with what Steve did today. These older guys (imho) aren't going to be able to keep up with the speed of the game. Bring on the youth!!!! Kasper, Danielson, Soderblom, Mazur❤

[@mybootscamewithoutstraps]

Keeping Kane was huge. I think dropping wallman kinda sucks because he was such a good time to have on the team. Some real personality and fun there. I think Lyon should get to start more this season and spread time with the other 2, because Lyon came up to really make a big showing for us and the dude did a lot given his experience and also what he had to deal with leading up to the game before missing the playoffs.

[@user-it1kn1pm6d]

I'm hoping this is all a sign of starting to incorporate our younger prospects into the mix sooner than later because some of them already look nhl ready in my opinion

[@whumpdonkey2478]

very underwhelming day to say the least , I'm not understanding what the Wings r thinking 🤔, I was so excited for today , mind you .... I wouldnt have signed any of those contracts handed out to the big fish that teams landed , I admit now I over hyped myself cause I believe this team is ready to make a big big step but these signings the Wings did tell me it's a long long ways away , oh well , GO Wings

[@Ryan.S924]

I feel like I’m listening to 97.1 the ticket all over again lol

[@HealthyScratchRedWingsReport]

I could not be more different than 97.1 those guys treat the NHL like the NFL and think everything is like fantasy sports

[@0shark096]

I'm ok with today. Like you said, we dodged some bullets. No, we didn't really get better but that's ok too. I rather see youth being moved up than signing a player to an overpriced contract and being a roadblock for a few seasons. Also, I think Talbot gives us a good option in goal, and provides options for Husso. I'm pretty happy we moved on from Perron, especially for the contract he got. I still hope Holl can be moved out and Trouba with retained salary moved in. That would make the defense a fair amount better imo.

[@nicholasicon]

Love the talbot signing! Especially for the money. He was so solid for the kings. I would love talbot and husso/lyon in tandom with campbell.

[@patrickgaughan1199]

Trouba isn't leaving NY this year. His wife is a doctor in NY on residency. She has a year left. He's making sure she finishes by staying in NYC

[@0shark096]

@patrickgaughan1199 May be true, I have no idea. Still, there's rumors all over, including that NY is going to move him regardless, just a question of how and to who. Hope everything works out for him and his wife, whatever that means.

[@HealthyScratchRedWingsReport]

Definitely on the same page then. I'm hoping they can still swing a trade for someone to upgrade

[@bmantheawsome77]

I would of took tevu for 3 years 5.5 no question

[@HealthyScratchRedWingsReport]

I would too now that I look at it. I think he liked Chocago from his time there thats why he went back

[@bmantheawsome77]

@@HealthyScratchRedWingsReport yeah man im sure he did and he probably thought i could play with Bedard lol and they probably payed him a bit more then othet teams stevie could of got him for 5 mil even but i would of liked him on the team

[@bigbrad5382]

Wings supposedly have the best (one of the best) farms in the NHL, so short-term contract outside of Mo, Raymond and Larkin make sense to me.

[@kdufflive]

I'm hoping Jack Campbell gets a chance and pops off. Love seeing michigan boys playing on the home team!

[@jackconrad2667]

Honestly I think it’s ok. 1-2 year contracts allow more time for youth to come up AND have a potential roster spot. Berggren and edvisson will probably be up this coming year. The only problem I have is that holl is still here. I like talbot. I think it’s a great signing. And makes me feel more comfortable. Husso I have zero confidence in and Lyon is fine with help. Campbell is already listed for ahl. Minor salary matches total salary. If they move holl. Johansson can come up. Not sure if this year will be better than last. But would like to see edvisson and Johansson have a full year. And berggren stay up another full season.

[@justinkauffman731]

I was hoping we could get Stamkos for some big time experience

[@HealthyScratchRedWingsReport]

Me too but not on that contract

[@burgoo64]

Remember how Raymond came on and the end of the season.

[@HealthyScratchRedWingsReport]

Yes I do! Hpfeully he continues the trend because in the second half of the season you could make the argument that he was Detroit's best player

[@thestifmyster1]

I think something happened behind the scenes with Jake Walman.

[@johanjotun1647]

yeah Kane didn't like him, we are hoping he stays on after player retirement.

[@vincebelanger361]

@@johanjotun1647 Source?

[@kaseyrobbins753]

It takes many years to build a powerhouse program. Mid 1st round picks can take several years or more to become difference makers in the nhl. I trust Stevie to thread the needle and make this a franchise to be feared again. Just takes time.

[@HealthyScratchRedWingsReport]

A lot of people don’t understand how long it takes for prospects to develop

[@AB-jr9ny]

Main signings will be signing Seider + Raymond + Valerno long term. 1/3 of cap for next 3 seasons already tied up in Larkin, Debrincat, Copp, Compher.

[@HealthyScratchRedWingsReport]

Veleno won’t be long term. 1-2 years is my guess. The Seider and Raymond contracts will be fascinating to see when they come out

[@AB-jr9ny]

@@HealthyScratchRedWingsReport Dont think they're be at Larkin's 8/$70m but in the ballpark which would put us at 1/2 the cap for at least 2 years including the contracts listed above.

[@jimjohnson9808]

Boy's are getting carried away on today's free agency. You have to remember 15-17 million are going to be set aside for Seider and Raymond. A lot of the contracts signed today by other clubs were long term and over paid. Holl will be difficult to move and likely be bought out. We definitely need another Right D We have one really good right D is Seider, Holl and Petry weakens our right side. One of the goalies are going to move in my view. Do we move Husso, and retain salary.? Fabbri might be a guy that could be moved. The good news Edvinsson, Johannsen should be in our D core. Berggren, Danielson I believe will be in our starting line up. .Gustafsson is better defensively than Ghost. Sprong could still be resigned for one year. Patience please,

[@julienbeaudry-tardif7982]

Gustafsson is an absolute pylon… what are you talking about

[@HealthyScratchRedWingsReport]

Gustafsson was in the 84th percentile of defenceman in even strength defensive situations Gostisbehere was 35th percentile It's a staggering difference

[@dannantais7336]

I think Kane took a one year deal with an agreement with Stevie that he WOULD be traded at the deadline to a contender. That’s why, in my opinion, Kane gets a huge bonus ($1.5 I think) if he plays just 10 games. I think we struggle before the deadline and he gets his wish to leave.

[@mathewthomason8397]

Uhhhgg this makes sense. So what do we get in return? A draft pick we have to wait another 5 years on? Or is Kane worth a prospect ready to go sooner than that?

[@pjpredhomme7699]

that makes sense and is very likely .

[@HealthyScratchRedWingsReport]

Then why wouldn’t he just sign with a contender July 1

[@mr.otterpockets3854]

Justin Abdlekader 7 year contract was Holland lunacy

[@HealthyScratchRedWingsReport]

Absolutely

[@codyfrisby911]

Copp for Jacob and Kakko would save 5 million for NYR and we get rid of Copp’s three year.

[@BSANDY]

twitter was really rotting my brain lol

[@HealthyScratchRedWingsReport]

Oh me too lol

[@jeffwalker5514]

Based on new signings can you give us an update on predicted lineups?

[@HealthyScratchRedWingsReport]

DeBrincat - Larkin - Kane Berggren - Compher - Raymond Fabbri - Veleno - Motte Fischer - Copp - Rasmussen *Kasper/Mazur Chiarot - Seider Edvinsson - Petry Maatta - Gustafsson Johansson - Holl Lyon Talbot Husso That would be my guess as of now

[@jeffwalker5514]

@@HealthyScratchRedWingsReport I was hoping for a video where you explain it with cap expectations 😂 but hey I’ll take this

[@jeffwalker5514]

Also aren’t we giving up Fabbri and Bergy for Motte?

[@Cycle_Smith]

It says a lot if the Kane bonuses really include $500k to make the playoffs.

[@Maxi-rn1ds]

what you think about MBN?

[@lauriestevecameron9147]

What's next Stevie???

[@jakerux6092]

4 goalies & 9 defensemen on the roster rn. At least one more move to be done.

[@HealthyScratchRedWingsReport]

Feels like there’s more to come

[@bigdebo7289]

Steve has spent 5 years building a prospect war chest. It is now time to cash in. Make a move for Zegras. Enough is enough.

[@johanjotun1647]

Zegras is cancer were not in on him.

[@aaronkosharskyswhiteknight5224]

8=D

[@mathewthomason8397]

I think a trade is coming. I'm with you, he's going to cash in on some prospects. I'm not sure he's willing to take that much of a step back this season.

[@bigdebo7289]

@@aaronkosharskyswhiteknight5224 yooooo white knight!! small world!

[@stephenjoyce2495]

I think Stamkos was the only deal id be ok with as hes still very productive, but Wings had no shot as he was set on Nasvhille for his family. I agree many contracts will wind up like Franz Neilson and agree to rather let these kids play. Id bring up Nate Danielson imo. Im not sure if Trouba is the answer either as too much baggage from all the drama in NY

[@johanjotun1647]

Nate is a lock, everyone is sleeping on him were talking about a 17yo captian and bedards nemisis, he was NHL ready at the draft.

[@stephenjoyce2495]

@@johanjotun1647 Agree 💯

[@pjpredhomme7699]

No idea where you folks come up with these things - Nashville was an obvious choice for Stamkos - they have a vezina caliber goalie , Norris trophy defenseman , very good coach - the only thing they have never had is an game changing scorer like Stamkos - it was a perfect fit, Why anyone thought he was going anywhere else is bizarre to me . I hope it works well for him he is a standup guy , class act all the way . would have loved to see him in Detroit but not the fit right now.

[@mathewthomason8397]

Do you think Kane would be willing to sign here if it was full speed ahead on the youth movement? To me something says no, he wants to at least have a shot at winning. I think there has to be something else in the works.

[@davidkruse4030]

I don’t know if he had a choice. He is comfortable here with Detroit and perhaps other teams didn’t offer him much else. He played on a bunch of years of crap Chicago teams.

[@mathewthomason8397]

The buzz was he wanted to play for a contender, but you could be right about the offers not being there.

[@rolig3518]

Yeah but we paid 5.5 per for for Copp two years ago, the same as Marchresault, more than Vinny Trotchek. People want to trade for Trouba when Tanev signed for 5.5 or Zadarov for 5? What are we talking about here? Give me a break. We have a serious talent evaluation problem. Overpaying mediocre players is never the way.

[@dt2phillips]

Stamkos might’ve cost too much money, and the Wings were smart enough not to spend too much money. I need to scour Erik Gustavsson’s defensive metrics if I can.

[@jennifermorris9985]

He had good numbers with NYR but he was a 3rd pair, sheltered guy. Just not as sheltered as Ghost was.

[@Mike-ix5sv]

Ghost-lite, not near as offensively gifted, not quite as bad defensively

[@a.N.....]

Our young forwards have to produce to replace the 60ish goals from perron, sprong, walman and ghost.

[@HealthyScratchRedWingsReport]

Full season of Kane will help too!

[@user-qs5mr1iw5c]

Not really, Kane should get 30, Vad T 25-30, Gus 6-10, Larkin will be healthy and score 40, Lucas 40. Oh. were even with your theory. J Bergeron and someone else will score a few. Moe S will score more on PP.

[@johanjotun1647]

Smart on Steve, there no point going after a top6 forward, they were all demanding term, We need to wait and see witch of the prospects will take the next step assuming MrED and Danialsson are a lock, depending witch of Lomba, Coss, Elmo, Axel, Nygaurd, crack the lineup changes drasticlly who we want to bring in. Plus we can always pick up Kessel on a one year as a bulking mentor for our undersized boys.

[@powerface71]

Where did Ghostusbere go too?

[@0shark096]

Carolina

[@getdusty1]

You never mentioned Cossa. For a guy who stands 9 feet whatever (I grin here), he should be able to go post to post and still be on the outside of the posts. Why are the Wings not prepared to bring him up and give him a try?? And you said the goaltending (and I quote), "... is perilous". Have we given up on our fifteenth pick overall in 2021?? What gives??

[@HealthyScratchRedWingsReport]

Goalies take time to develop. He did well in GR last season but he probably needs another full season before they bring him up. Barring injuries he might get a few games this season potentially

[@getdusty1]

@@HealthyScratchRedWingsReport Thank you for your input.

[@DONWASABIJUAN]

Definitely somewhere in between. The walman trade is looking worse and worse though. Definitely NEED to see some rookies on this team this year

[@HealthyScratchRedWingsReport]

I'm still scratching my head about that trade

[@VictorValiant24]

I think Edvinsson cancels out Walman, and maybe he was a little bit more injured than we thought? Walman reached his peak in 22/23, and the more time that passes, the better I'm feeling about losing him. I think Yzerman's working on a trade... he _knows_ we need some more firepower. Teams are built through draft & trades, not Free Agency. Remember last year's FA debacle, then Stevie Y went out & got DeBrincat? I'm not so worried. LGRW 🐙

[@johanjotun1647]

Kane didnot want to stay if he had to put up with Jake, it was one or the other.

[@MrHunterbg]

It was until we signed Gustafsson. Much better two-way d than Walman and cheaper.

[@mattl2642]

​@@MrHunterbgthe F are you talking about? Gustaffson is horrible in the deffensive end. Guy was a 3rd pair in NY and has no where near the shot that walman has. That's a huge downgrade if you want to compare one to the other.

[@winkletown8828]

Stamkos should be charged for grand larceny 🤣 dude got waaaaaayyyyyy overpaid. Nashville messed up bad.

[@frequentsee3815]

Everyone thinks Yzerman made a lot of mistakes today. That's not entirely true. Today was a good indication that Yzerman has learned from his mistakes, but had to fix them. SY signed some bad contracts. Think Holl, Copp, Chiarot, Petry, etc. He didn't do it again today. SY didn't bring up many prospects last season. He's not making that mistake again. There is a very large possibility that this season will be worse than last if this is the case, which I really think it is. SY didn't bring up enough rookies and instead opted to fill in the holes with poor contracts because he saw them as minor upgrades. Perhaps he did it because of Kane, who knows. In my opinion, SY showed today that he is willing to acknowledge the mistakes.. but today, he was no longer able to hide them. At least he has learned, and no real damage was done today. That being said, there is also the small possibility that he goes nuclear and brings up a LOT of prospects and, miraculously, they all work out and we make the playoffs. The amount of value we get from this is almost unfathomable. That means we will have a very flexible amount of cap space to push for free agents before the deadline before a playoff run. Yet, even if we're not in this situation, or even make the playoffs, integrating our high-end prospects into the system needs to happen soon because Larkin isn't getting any younger. This season will mostly be a huge over-correction by Steve Yzerman, but at least he's righting the course instead of pretending to go off-map again.

[@HealthyScratchRedWingsReport]

Dodging those massive contracts was a good thing. Just have to have a lot of things go right if these young guys come up

[@cac5486]

Bergen needs playing time in the big leagues to show what he's got, but holding on to Veleno, I believe, is monumental mistake. Veleno fizzed out and barely did anything to produce for the Wings, especially during the last half of the season. Hoping that Veleno goes b/c he actually blows as a player. Looks like Wings signed Fischer, but at least with Fischer the Wings had somebody who who made an attempt to contribute on the ice. Veleno didn't give half the effort that Fischer did last season.

[@HealthyScratchRedWingsReport]

Veleno isn’t a needle mover. I see a one year deal on the cheap. But he’s a guy some of our prospects will likely push out eventually

[@nicholasicon]

For that money why not get campbell as a backup to a backup. Seriously

[@HealthyScratchRedWingsReport]

lol keep stacking those goalies!

[@backcountrylifemagazine6912]

The BIG question is how the hell are we going to watch all the Wings games…….with Mickey and Ken?? F-ing Bally Sports!!!!

[@HealthyScratchRedWingsReport]

I'm in Canada so I have other problems getting Ken and Mick lol

[@a.N.....]

4 goalies what do now?

[@HealthyScratchRedWingsReport]

Campbell to GR and a competition for the other three is my guess

[@drw4ever57]

i might catch some flack for this but i don't care...resign sprong, i may just be an arm chair gm but seriously dude is going to be one of those players that we didn't have faith in and then the following year we trade him to a team that wins the cup while we sit at home watching it happen just like the leafs

[@HealthyScratchRedWingsReport]

I don’t mind if they bring Sprong back, like I said there isn’t much more out there left in FA

[@tombarr949]

Perron cost the Wings a playoff spot by getting suspended for six games concurrent with Larkin's IR time.

[@VictorValiant24]

Don't forget -- Kane was out at that time too. I don't think Perron is _that much_ of a difference-maker that we can blame it all on him. Goaltending really shit the bed at some inopportune times, as well.

[@codyfrisby911]

Perron at the end of season was taking stupid penalties that cost us because he was to slow to keep with opponents.

[@casewojo6186]

I love Kaner, all I care about. This team is very boring to me without Kaner.

[@spookietowne7932]

The best change for the Wings to make would be to fire Lalonde. Absolutely despicable record in December & March! The Wings had the players to easily make the playoffs but didn't. This falls squarely on Lalonde. I mean, the Wings stuck with Blashill for SEVEN years as a loser. Larkin's career has been squandered. Is the same going to happen to Seider, Raymond & Edvinsson under Lalonde? To hire Gerard Gallant would take this team far.

[@HealthyScratchRedWingsReport]

Until this roster gets better and performs consistently I don't think it's a coaching problem. Most of those slumps most of the players had their heads in the clouds

[@chumpmtb2554]

Definitely a step back this year. We subtracted Walman, Ghost, Sprong and Perron and added nothing.. We have 3 1-B goalies, still stuck with Chirot, Petry and Holl out back and brought in absolutely nobody to improve defense. What the hell was Yzerman talking about when he said, "we need to improve defensively"???

[@MyHandleShouldBeLessCharacters]

Are you a casual fan, or do you understand who NEEDS to come up (meaning has to be on NHL roster without going through waivers)and who we singed today?

[@john_michaelz1823]

@@MyHandleShouldBeLessCharacters obviously he's a casual / didn't play competitive hockey. He advocated for resigning Sprong when the Wings want to get better defensively.

[@mattl2642]

​@@john_michaelz1823obviously you're the casual if you think signing will lagesson and Erik gustaffson makes the wings a better defensive team 😂😅

[@pjpredhomme7699]

"We subtracted Walman, Ghost, Sprong and Perron " please explain to me the problem ? None of them were above warm bodies .

[@mattl2642]

@@pjpredhomme7699 ghost lead pp1 and had 56 points. Sprong was on a 20+ goal pace with 4th line minutes b4 being scratched at the end the year. Walman paired with mo to split the most brutal match-ups in traceable league history. And perron (though I'm not disappointed we let him walk) was our best board player on the team. 57 goals and 110 assists lost with no foreseeable returns. You must be high if you think this year's team is on par with last year's at this point

[@john_michaelz1823]

Not signing Sprong is going to shave 0.3 points off our team GAA and save us $2mil while freeing up a roster spot for young bloods. We got better lol.

[@HealthyScratchRedWingsReport]

Defensively they might be better we will see!

[@chomas8784]

10 year Yzerman plan.. lol

[@HealthyScratchRedWingsReport]

Year six but go off Most rebuilds take ten years especially when your predecessor leaves an absolute dumpster fire for you to clean up

[@beatrixkills1]

Ken Holland would have been all over these horrible contracts.

[@HealthyScratchRedWingsReport]

He loves them!

[@lauriestevecameron9147]

Holl and Copp are terrible contracts.

[@codyfrisby911]

Need to to at less get rid of Copp 5.6 for three more years and he terrible Center.

[@pjpredhomme7699]

@@codyfrisby911 He is not terrible . he is terrible @ that price . He is a serviceable player - he just never has played up to the level expected from the salary he was signed for. keep things in perspective.

[@HealthyScratchRedWingsReport]

Those are my two least favourite. If they could get rid of them I'd be all over it but I think it's probably not happening at this point

[@paulieprinceton4550]

If you believe most of the deals are overpays or egregious then you are the one that needs to adjust to the market. Most of the deals you threw out are perfectly fine. Sure there are a handful of deals that will probably look a little rough toward the end, but you either adjust to the market or sit out free agency. Like many sports you have to balance draft, trades and free agency. You create a disadvantage for yourself by eliminating one of the options you have to improve your team. This goes for any sport.

[@HealthyScratchRedWingsReport]

Well Yzerman definitely sat out free agency. I'll look back at this in a few years and I guarantee that half those contracts don't look great

[@Tyler-ml6ip]

Trade Holl for Trouba and trade for Evander Kane. That would really add a needed element of physicality and toughness.

[@dereksnively7692]

That would be nice

[@Dracox78000]

Trouba doesn’t want to waive

[@Tyler-ml6ip]

@@Dracox78000 then he probably goes on waivers so claim him and bridge Raymond and Seider

[@pjpredhomme7699]

Jesus get help . Thankfully that is NEVER going to happen - Kane is a cancer Yzerman would never have him on his team - no way, no how

[@Tyler-ml6ip]

@@pjpredhomme7699 what a ignorant comment

[@douglasmargitza1210]

it doesn't make sense, walman 2nd pk n ghost for Gustafson??? something must happen, or stevie is losing it

[@HealthyScratchRedWingsReport]

I don’t think he’s losing it. It was just a bad trade

[@dannantais7336]

If the league GM’s had a team, Stevie would be a “healthy scratch”!

[@HealthyScratchRedWingsReport]

hey now!

[@dannantais7336]

@@HealthyScratchRedWingsReport I WAS a little tough on him.

[@BranNew1]

Patrick Kane.. bonus for making the Playoffs 😂😂😂 No chance in hell with this roster, shameful season upcoming.

[@HealthyScratchRedWingsReport]

Well that's pretty positive of you lol

[@theirishman088]

Enjoy 6th place. Yzerman is trying to be some genius by taking all these goofs and making a run on his own terms and it's blowing up in his face. He knows the city of Detroit won't be screaming fire yzerman at the games while paying 150 a ticket for a crap team. I think he was a great player but he blows in the office.

[@VictorValiant24]

The Red Wings were almost unanimously picked to finish 7th in the Atlantic last season. They didn't. Not one "bad" contract was signed today, and a trade is still possible. I'm not ready to write them off just yet. Go be a Leafs fan, they've got it all figured out. 😂

[@johanjotun1647]

leave the Mitten 🖕

[@dannantais7336]

He’s literally spit-balling things. Look at the Walman garbage giveaway. What GM does that? He’s not as smart as he thinks he is and he just isn’t held accountable in this town. Frustrating.

[@alanmiller8889]

@@VictorValiant24 Not a bad contract? He already did that the last 2 years.The team is not better but worse.Be a leaf fan? At least they have a few star players and make the playoffs every year.How about this team?

[@pjpredhomme7699]

@@VictorValiant24 exactly , the begining of last year - nearly every "expert " said the red wings were worse than the year before - that they had no chance of playoffs . Now this year the same people are saying - well last years team was really promising but this looks bad . There is more to come - they have 5 goalies with NHL experience right now . TRouba is probably coming to Detroit and that will be excellent IMO. it would be great if somehow he can pawn off some of these stiffs ie - Copp, Holl but that will be tough in the meantime there should be spots available for some of the guys in the system .

[@whatsupamerica6107]

It’s great to keep Kane. But we need that Goalie that can put us over the top. Don’t like the Campbell,Talbot signings.

[@HealthyScratchRedWingsReport]

Talbot is an upgrade on Reimer. Campbell will be in GR with Cossa

[@caleb-dx7yd]

This was a dumpster fire thus far. Jake was our highest score D man. Shayne had the most points as a D man. Perron played top line minutes and still got goals and contributed. Also a leader that people liked. Sprong is good in a 4th line role. We have definitely got worse so far. But hey, at least we still have the goat Jeff petry

[@HealthyScratchRedWingsReport]

By far is a stretch. You can argue that Gustafsson will replace Gostisbehere (not as many points but same type of player), I think we all overrated Walman because of his 12 goals and the Griddy celeys lol. Perron I'm not paying 4 million. So hopefully the kids come up and can perform