Report: Red Wings pursuing 4 big UFA names

GM Ken Holland has cap space and he plans on using it this Saturday.

HockeyFeed
HockeyFeed
Published 6 years ago
Report: Red Wings pursuing 4 big UFA names
Keystone Press

It’s no secret that Detroit Red Wings general manager Ken Holland has been searching for help on the team’s blue line for several seasons. The addition of Mike Green notwithstanding, Holland has pretty much struck out  in acquiring the services of a top four defender via free agency, but that won’t prevent him from opening up the purse strings and giving it another shot when the NHL’s free-agency period officially opens on Saturday, July 1st.

Red Wings insider Ansar Khan has reported that the team has shown interest to four UFA defensemen in particular, so don’t be surprised if the Wings come away with one or more on the opening of free agency.


What do you think Wings fans? Do any of these names do it for you? Each one is likely an improvement over both Niklas Kronwall and Jonathan Ericsson, but to call any of Dan Girardi, Trevor Daley, Brian Campbell and Ron Hainsey a top-four D at this point in the careers is a bit of a stretch. Regardless, Holland seems intent on plugging holes via free agency, rather than allowing a younger player to step into a bigger role.

Might a veteran provide a good mentor for the team’s young defensemen like Nick Jensen, Ryan Sproul or Xavier Ouellet? Or, are these players ready for prime-time minutes right away? So many questions in Detroit this offseason.

Source: Ansar Khan