Red Wing Free Agency Guide

This year's class of free agents could be one of the worst in recent memory. With every team signing stars to long-term extensions, the remaining free agents are complementary players at best. However, these complementary players still get big paydays on July 1st as General Managers scramble to improve their squad. Despite the lack of depth in this years class, there are a few players that fans have suggested signing to deals to improve the team. Most of these suggested targets are overvalued and should never be seen in Detroit, and while I would consider others, there is only one player that I believe Ken Holland could and should sign to become a member of the Detroit Red Wings.

Stay Away

Paul Martin

Martin had an impressive season as the stabilizing force on a Penguins defense that was decimated by injuries. However, Martin is 34 and will not leave Pittsburgh without cashing in on at least a mid-length deal. Kronwall, Ericsson and Martin on our books for over 4 million dollars each 3 years from now is a horrifying possibility. The Wings are better off leaving Martin alone and focusing their efforts elsewhere.

Matt Beleskey

Having just reached his prime age of 27, Matt Beleskey timed his breakout season perfectly, putting up 22 goals in only 65 games and 8 playoff goals in only 16 games. Goal scoring power forwards make GMs around the league drool and Beleskey is well aware, reportedly asking for over 5 million a year. However, Detroit should be cautious as his goal scoring was fuelled by a shooting percentage of 15%, an unsustainable number. If he appears in all 82 games next season I expect Beleskey will score only about 20 goals, not the best way for Ken Holland to invest 5 million dollars.

Mike Green

Mike Green is a right-handed, power-play quarterback, so we know the Red Wings are interested. However, Green struggled to put up good possession numbers while being sheltered on the Washington Capitals' 3rd pair. While his power-play numbers are impressive, it is unknown if he would be able to drive play when asked to play in a tougher role. Combine Green's asking price of 4.5 million dollars with the potential of getting only an upgraded Židlický, it is better if the Wings just stay away.

Interested

Christian Ehrhoff

Similar to Paul Martin, Christian Ehrhoff is a very good player but he is getting older and he was only able to play in 49 games this season. Although he didn't drive possession at even strength this season as well as he had in the past, Ehrhoff is excellent on the power play. On a short or mid length deal Ehrhoff would be a slam-dunk. However, someone will offer him a long-term deal to leave Pittsburgh and I would rather walk away then give him that.

Andrej Sekera 

Arguably the best defenseman available, the Kings continue to hold out hope of resigning their trade deadline acquisition. In February he was discussing an extension with Carolina for 5.5 or 6 million dollars a year, so he comes with a hefty price tag. However his incredible ability to drive possession at even strength and play in the top 4 makes him worth every penny. He is left handed and has only seen time on the power-play in the last two years, so while he would be a great addition he doesn’t perfectly fit the Red Wing's needs. I would sign Sekera but only if the Red Wings are not comfortable with the young prospects and can’t get a deal done with the number one target

Go Get Him Now

Cody Franson

The Wings need to clear space on the roster, preferably by trading Kindl for a bag of pucks, and sign Cody Franson immediately. He checks all the boxes the Wings are looking for, he's a right handed, PP quarterback who can drive play in the top 4. Not to mention he is only 27 years old so he would be able to help the team now and in the future. While his game may look ugly it is incredibly effective. Paired with the smooth skating DeKeyser, the Red Wings could solidify their defensive core for the foreseeable future. There is only one reason for Ken Holland to roll out of bed on July 1st, and it is to sign Cody Franson.