It may feel like anyone who ever held a hockey stick was signed on the first day of NHL free agency Saturday. But the truth is there are plenty of remaining UFAs, including some recent Detroit Red Wings.
The Pittsburgh Penguins signed recent Red Wings goalie Magnus Hellberg Sunday morning. The Penguins also signed Alex Nedeljkovic Saturday, leading to speculation they may trade Casey DeSmith.
The Red Wings have nearly $10 million in remaining cap space, with Joe Veleno still to be signed. They also have a full roster. GM Steve Yzerman could still be looking at some trade options. The Ottawa Senators haven’t yet traded Michigan native Alex DeBrincat. Other teams are looking to move players as well.
Yzerman may be done in the free agent market, but you never know with Yzerman.
Here are some players of interest who are available:
Tyler Bertuzzi, Boston Bruins
Bertuzzi wants a home run contract. He wants a long-term deal for a noteworthy deal. The Bruins want to keep him, but how could they make it work. The Florida Panthers would have to get very creative.
Patrick Kane, New York Rangers
We hear several teams are interested, even though Kane is coming off hip resurfacing surgery. He won’t be ready to play until after the holidays.
Vladimir Tarasenko, New York Rangers
Proven scorer, but it doesn’t seem like a team wants to give him term.
Matt Dumba, Minnesota Wild
Right-shot defenseman. That makes him more valuable. Teams are running out of cap space. Will he have to lower his asking price?
Evan Rodrigues, Colorado Avalanche
Coaches always appreciate his offensive production, but general managers seem to see him as a temporary fix. He hasn’t stuck with a team.
Max Domi, Dallas Stars
Coming off a solid season with the Chicago Blackhawks and Dallas Stars. He helped himself by playing well in the postseason
Pius Suter, Detroit Red Wings
The Red Wings were interested in keeping him, but they didn’t want to give him multiple years. Coaches like versatile, responsible players like Suter.
Tomas Tatar, New Jersey Devils
Just plug the former Red Wings player into a lineup and he will get you 20 goals. Very Consistent scorer.
Oskar Sundqvist, Minnesota Wild
Very likable player, good teammate, plays hard, Red Wings liked him and his game. Has size. Handy player to have on the roster.
Adam Erne, Detroit Red Wings
His lure is willingness to hit. He should find a job, but it may have to settle for less money than he wants.
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