Free agency is now a little more than a month away and teams are looking ahead to when it opens up. There will be several impact players set to hit the open market in July while many teams have key restricted free agents to re-sign as well. We continue our look around the NHL with an overview of the free agent situation for the Detroit Red Wings.
Key Restricted Free Agents
F Joe Veleno – As one of the higher touted prospects entering the 2018 NHL Draft, Veleno fell to Detroit at 30th overall, using the Vegas Golden Knights selection acquired in the Tomas Tatar trade. In his final season in the QMJHL, Veleno scored 104 points in 59 games, giving Red Wings’ fans a lot of optimism about his future.
Unfortunately, the relationship has been tepid up to this point, as Veleno reached a career-high in points this season, only scoring 20 points in 81 games. Although his offensive numbers have translated poorly from juniors, his play on the defensive side of the puck has actually improved considerably in his career.
Severely lacking in the faceoff dot, Veleno did have 30 takeaways compared to 17 giveaways this season. Throwing 152 hits as well for Detroit this season, Veleno carried a Defensive Point Share of 0.9, one of the highest on the team compared to the number of minutes played. If Detroit plans to cultivate Veleno into a defensive forward, they may need to move him out of the faceoff dot, but they will have ample space to continue his time wearing the Winged Wheel.
Other RFAs: F Matt Luff, D Gustav Lindstrom, F Pontus Andreasson, F Jasper Weatherby, D Seth Barton, D Jared McIsaac, D Wyatt Newpower, G John Lethemon
Key Unrestricted Free Agents
F Pius Suter – After not receiving a qualifying offer from the Chicago Blackhawks after the 2020-21 season, Suter became an under-the-radar signing for the Red Wings in the 2021-22 offseason. In his first season in Detroit, Suter scored 15 goals and 21 assists, improving on his numbers from the previous year.
Although scoring some big goals for the Red Wings this season, Suter took a dip in several departments this year. Although playing relatively the same amount of games this season, Suter had a 12-point drop in scoring, a 2.5% drop in faceoff percentage, and a 4.9% drop in Corsi For %. 
F Adam Erne – Becoming one of the better depth scorers in Detroit during the 2021-22 season, Erne seemed to be an odd man out for the Red Wings this year. On February 4th, 2023, Detroit placed Erne on waivers, and he would go on to clear one day later. With prospects making the jump to the NHL for the Red Wings, Erne has appeared to become a casualty of the youth movement.
G Alex Nedeljkovic – Acquired in a low-risk trade with the Carolina Hurricanes, Nedeljkovic had a subpar showing in his first season in Detroit. This year, Nedeljkovic had an even worse performance. Clearing waivers on January 16th, Nedeljkovic played in nine games prior, producing a 2-4-2 record, carrying a .880 SV% and a 3.88 GAA. Getting a second chance in March, Nedelkovic improved, posting a 2-2-0 record, and a .920 SV% with a 2.33 GAA.
Other UFAs: F Alex Chiasson, D Robert Hagg, D Jordan Oesterle, G Magnus Hellberg, D Mark Pysyk, F Dylan McLaughlin, F Danny O’Regan, F Chase Pearson, G Victor Brattstrom
Projected Cap Space
Hoping to be on the back end of a rebuilding effort, the Red Wings will have $30.66MM available to them this summer. With 16 players projected on the roster next season, Detroit has ample availability to get creative.
Expectedly, many of the available roster spots will be taken up by some of the team’s many prospects, but the Red Wings will have the ability to shop at the high end of the free-agent market this offseason.
Whether Steve Yzerman weaponizes his cap space by acquiring contracts and draft capital, or by making an acquisition to significantly improve the team, the financials included in any transaction will not be a factor for the Red Wings this summer.
Photos courtesy of USA Today Sports Images. Contract information courtesy of CapFriendly.
Still scratching my head over the Wings getting rid of Filip Hronek.
Although I was a bit confused at the time as well, the Red Wings having the ability to give both Seider and Edvinsson (who I would argue have a clear higher ceiling than Hronek) top-2 minutes, while also having Wallinder and Johansson on the cusp, AND acquiring a top-20 pick in a very deep draft, has a high probability of being a very shrewd move by Yzerman.
Because when Yzerman touched base with Filips camp the rumor was they asked for $7mm/yr on a possible summer extension. Yzerman must have thought he wasn’t going to pay that and it turns out it garnered a top 20 and top 45 pick. If they like him they could possibly sign him in the next off-season if he’s available.
^ these are both homer takes
That pick was supposed to be much higher but the Islanders were good
These are straight facts. Yzerman has said he wasn’t going to sign him at that price. The pick was protected also, no guarantee it was going to be this year. Stevie Scored on this trade, specially if they have a change of heart and sign him next summer also.
Wait until the dust settles
Going to be hard to sign him next summer when he’s an RFA
But you got the straight facts
They have offer sheets….
^ two offer sheets in the last 10 years
Miley Rags give it up. You’ve got red-coloured glasses on.
2 in the last 4 years…..eyyyyyyyy
These are NOT RHD! The trade got a 1st and a 2nd from Vancouver. SY may have to use one of hid firsts to get a good RHD – evening the trade – which means Stevie got a second for a pn experienced 7 year pro with his best numbers ever and a team leading +/-.
NO. The trade was NOT good!
That is a ridiculous number that I do not believe.
NO- he did not ‘score’. He basically got a second pick and still gave up a fourth. How far ahead are we???
Edvinsson may be out till January after reconstructive shoulder surgery. I wouldn’t hold your breath that he will deliver significant or high end results next year.
Wrong Edvinsson is out 4-6 months, So early training camp to early November is his expected timeline for returning. He didn’t have reconstructive surgery on his shoulder. It was just basic shoulder surgery.
Stevie bousta draft Reinbacher who is another generational RHD. Well be fine. And the picks will turn oit great. Yzerplan is in effect and the results shall be clear shortly.
Insteaduh some of the Wings playerz being scary, this the year the team will be scary. And for years to come
After reading these responses I’m now scratching my head less. Thanks everyone.
Keep scratching. When Hronek becomes a solid top D man – you’ll be scratching harder!
I wouldn’t be too quick to judge good or bad yet. As someone commented, let’s wait until the dust settles. He’s got a few options