Despite the fact the team is rebuilding and there could be an appetite by some of the veteran NHL players on the Detroit Red Wings roster to look for an opportunity to win before their careers come to a close, both Marc Staal and Jonathan Bernier have noted they’d be open to returning to the Red Wings and signing extensions with the hockey club.
As per Ted Kulfan of the Detroit News, Staal is eyeing two possible options this offseason. The first (and perhaps the priority) would be to see if he can work out a way to play with his brothers. Eric Staal will also be a pending free agent and isn’t likely to be back with the Montreal Canadiens once this season ends. Meanwhile, Jordan Staal is a fixture in Carolina with the Hurricanes. If possible, Marc would like to play alongside them.
That could pose challenging considering the Hurricanes are a top contending team in the East and have their own business to take care of. Getting the Staal brothers together might not be high on their own priority list.
That leaves a possible extension in Detroit for Marc Staal and he noted he’s more than open to returning. ”For sure, definitely not ruling that out by any means,” he said. He noted that he’d keep his options open and one has to wonder if maybe he’ll try and get Red Wings’ general manager Steve Yzerman to bring in Eric Staal on a short-term, low-cost contract.
Ansar Khan of MLIVE.com is also reporting that goaltender Jonathan Bernier has interest in returning with the Red Wings. The 32-year-old netminder noted, “My family and I really like it here. I feel comfortable at the rink, on the ice, so it would be my No. 1 choice. I definitely would like to stay here.”
Red Wings Not Eager To Leave
Typically, when teams are not very competitive, veterans look to make changes. Knowing their windows to win aren’t large, it speaks volumes that players like Bernier and Staal are among a group of players like Bobby Ryan who have said they’d like to return next season.
Either this means these players see the potential in what the team is building or they simply love the atmosphere and environment being created by the organization. There are some good young players coming up the pipeline and while the Red Wings probably won’t necessarily be competitive while these specific players are part of the roster, perhaps these veterans are open to being a part of the foundation set for future Red Wings stars.
Bernier said, “The one thing that I regret (in Toronto) is going through the pain but not being there when they’re getting better.”
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