As the NHL Stanley Cup Final kicks off, attention is also focused on the forthcoming free agent market. Teams that didn’t make the playoffs are strategizing to be competitive next season. Some aim to recruit new talent, while others are negotiating to retain key players. Today, we delve into the Detroit Red Wings’ efforts to re-sign some of their forwards whose contracts are up.
NHL Rumours: Detroit Red Wings in Talks with Forwards
According to Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic, Red Wings General Manager Steve Yzerman has been actively engaging with player agents at the scouting combine in Buffalo. Among those he met with are agents representing Patrick Kane, David Perron, and Lucas Raymond.
The Red Wings narrowly missed breaking their eight-season Stanley Cup Playoff drought this year. The team showed promise, but there’s more work needed to fully re-establish themselves as contenders. Detroit has crucial decisions ahead, including whether to retain players who were pivotal this season.
Patrick Kane, recovering from hip surgery, nearly maintained a point-per-game pace. David Perron came close to a 20-goal season, and Lucas Raymond achieved his first 30-goal season. These players were instrumental in the Red Wings’ near-playoff push.
Considering Continuity
Re-signing all three forwards could be beneficial for Detroit’s continuity and stability. However, Yzerman must also address other pressing issues. High on the priority list is resolving the goaltending situation and finalizing contracts for other critical players.
Lucas Raymond and defenseman Moritz Seider are restricted free agents (RFAs) without arbitration rights. Securing multi-year deals for them is likely a priority, as they are seen as future cornerstones of the franchise. Joe Veleno is another RFA, but he has arbitration rights, adding complexity to his negotiations.
The Veteran Dilemma
One significant consideration is the age of Kane and Perron, both in their mid-thirties. Perron, at 36, and Kane, at 35, still offer valuable experience and performance. However, their advancing ages raise questions about how long they can maintain their current levels of play.
Allan Walsh, Perron’s agent, indicated mutual interest in a new contract. Perron earned $4.75 million this season, but there might be room for a more cap-friendly deal. Yzerman likely wants to resolve the RFA contracts before finalizing any agreements with veterans like Perron.
Balancing the Budget
The anticipated increase in the salary cap provides some financial flexibility, but it remains limited. Yzerman’s priority seems to be securing the young core before turning to veterans. Both Kane and Perron could still contribute significantly if re-signed. Kane’s recent contract of $2.75 million was a gamble on his part, showing his commitment to proving his value post-injury. He might now be seeking one last chance at a Stanley Cup.
Ultimately, the goal for all three players—Kane, Perron, and Raymond—is to help elevate Detroit back to being one of the top teams in the league. The challenge lies in aligning the contracts and finances to make this vision a reality.
