Maybe not the “splash” that most wanted see on day one of NHL free agency, but the Red Wings picked up a few potentially valuable players at bargain-bin prices on Tuesday.
The biggest move was signing veteran forward James van Riemsdyk to a one-year deal for a measly $1 million. JVR is 36 years old, great pedigree, and one of the better net-front players in the NHL. The value is excellent for a guy who scored 36 points (16-20–36) in 71 games for Columbus last season. JVR will fit nicely into this power play.
Here’s an interesting one! The Wings picked up defenseman Jacob Bernard-Docker for one year at $875k AAV. Young guy, 25, with a right-hand shot. He seemed pretty universally liked by Buffalo and Ottawa fans. Random “Nick Jensens” are cool with me. I imagine he will replace Jeff Petry, who signed with Florida. Who knows.
The Red Wings also signed forward John Leonard and defenseman Ian Mitchell to one-year deals. Leonard is 26, not much NHL time, but absolutely ripped in the AHL last season with 36 goals. Both of these players will play a bigger role in Grand Rapids.
Like I said — not a “splash,” but it appears that Steve Yzerman is filling needs without giving up much. I can’t fault him for taking a low-risk approach. I am curious about what the plan is because Detroit has over $15 million in projected cap space according to PuckPedia. There are still spots to fill, but the free agent market isn’t giving me much confidence. There are still decent players available, we still don’t who Nikolaj Ehlers will sign with, though I am sure it won’t be with Detroit.
The trade market is thinner out now that K’Andre Miller is going to Carolina, and he seemed like a slam-dunk fit for Detroit. So, something else has to be in the works, right? Or is the plan to not using their buying power? The latter would suggest something going on behind the scenes.
I’m not saying Steve Yzerman WILL do an offer sheet. I am saying that he should greatly consider an offer sheet if a trade cannot materialize.
