Looks like the Red Wings are getting ready to make their move in terms of presenting qualifying offers to their remaining restricted free agents. Ansar Khan of MLive.com reported last night that the Wings have made qualifying offers to nine players:
In addition to making qualifying offers, as expected, to Darren Helm, Justin Abdelkader, Patrick Eaves, Drew Miller and Derek Meech, the Red Wings also qualified defensemen Sergei Kolosov and Ole-Kristian Tollefsen, forward Jamie Tardif and goaltender Daniel Larsson.
All are expected to re-sign with the team, even though Ole-Kristian Tollefsen and Daniel Larsson have both elected to spend next year in Sweden. By making the offers, and hopefully re-signing Tollefesen and Larsson, the Red Wings would retain the rights to the two players should they return to Detroit (think: Hudler).
If any player decides not to sign in Detroit, another team can present an offer sheet but it would either allow the Red Wings to match that offer or seek draft pick compensation. However, these scenarios seem highly unlikely as they will all likely re-sign with Detroit and no other team would be willing to give up a draft pick for any of the players.
Helm and Abdelkader were absolute no-doubters when it came to whether or not the Wings would try and keep them. Eaves played himself into a contract offer throughout the season while Drew Miller is a player that is in the “do not want” pile for some people. Meech could be traded but will likely be kept around given his versatility and Kolosov is making good progress in the AHL.
Khan also reported that the Red Wings will not seek any further involvement with F Johan Ryno or F Evan McGrath.
