Have you heard the rumor that Detroit has to pay extra to attract free agents?
It’s not the dynasty days, after all. The modern NHLer simply has no interest in playing for an iconic Original Six franchise, with a woeful lack of amenities, from state-of-the-art training facilities in one of the NHL’s newest arenas, or, ugh, having to rough it on one of the league’s only team-owned planes. Not to mention, they’re forced to play games in front of a passionate fanbase, who won’t even do them the courtesy of bothering them in public spaces.
But you’d have to live in Detroit or, yuck, a suburb, which clearly no one wants to do. Many find this experience so insufferable that they’re too traumatized to leave once they retire. Regrettably, those with hockey-playing kids are relegated to playing in a youth hockey mecca and could conceivably play junior, college and pro all in their home state. A sad story.
I’m happy to finish this argument with myself another day. Today’s profile of the Red Wings’ offseason additions is about Shayne Gostisbehere, who I believe represents evidence that the above rumor isn’t true, but beyond that, is a talented offensive defenseman who fills a big hole on Detroit’s blueline.
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