The Captain Returns - NHL19 - Detroit Red Wings

[SeattleBattleCat]

NHL Free Agency 2023
PART 1 - The List
‪1ST July 2023‬

Top Free Agents available in 2023:
Here is this year's top players on the Free Agency list. It’s a good list of available players, however nothing compared to the likes of last season.
I didn’t think I’d see the day when Johnathan Drouin would be expecting $11M+ per season. Max Domi & Kyle Connor will be very welcome additions to any team's lineup.

Currently we have close to $10M in available cap with the departure of Jake Muzzin, however I don't believe we will be actively pursuing any big ticket players. Number 1 reason is I would like us to blood some of our prospects, plus focus on giving already established players more ice time.
However that could all change if we were to look at various trade options.
Additionally Fredrik Larsson is entering his last season on his Entry-Level-Contract this season, so we will need plenty of room in the following year after this one to accommodate what could be a very large cap hit.

Skaters:





Goalies:



(I'm going away tomorrow for 5 days - Part 2, the continuation of Free Agency will be up after that. Haven't started it yet)

[ripham23232]

Quote: Originally Posted by SeattleBattleCat

(I'm going away tomorrow for 5 days - Part 2, the continuation of Free Agency will be up after that. Haven't started it yet)

I didn't agree to you going away! Now what I'm supposed to do for five days?!

[SeattleBattleCat]

Quote: Originally Posted by ripham23232

I didn't agree to you going away! Now what I'm supposed to do for five days?!

Just adding to the suspense.... haha

[SeattleBattleCat]

‬‬
NHL Free Agency 2023
PART 2
‪1ST July - 31st August 2023

‬‬

Free Agency Period Highlights Across the League
FA Signings & News Releases ‪from 1st July – 31st August:

‬‬

1st July -

Quote:

Drouin & Domi Walk Montreal’s 1st Line in tatters as Johnathan Drouin & Max Domi choose to become Free Agents. Multiple teams reported to have made contact with both players on Day 1 of FA period. 1st July 2023,

Quote:

Connor in demand Lightning & Devils rumoured to have made contact this morning 1st July 2023

.

Quote:

Jarry emerging from Murray’s shadow Tristan Jarry tests the Free Agent Market. Will be a great fit for a number of teams in the hunt for a no.1 Goalie 1st July 2023

5th July -

Quote:

Blackhawks Sign Connor & Domi Blackhawks GM signs best 2 available left wingers on FA market on the same day. Signing compliments Kane & Voutilainen on right wing to boost Hawks as major contender for this year’s Cup 5th July 2023

6th July -

Quote:

Drouin signs with Capitals Drouin hits pay dirt after signing contract with Caps for 6 years, worth $73.6M USD 6th July 2023

14th July –

Quote:

Yzerman Focussed on Larsson As other teams scramble to bolster lines during Free Agency, Red Wings GM looks to sign star forward to 1st contract extension. 14th July 2023

15th July –
Detroit Signs 2023 1st round choice, Ashton to Entry Level Contract
C Abraham Ashton Signs Entry Level Contract - 3yrs @ $0.95M per season.

20th July -

Quote:

Nico Hischier on trade block Devils open to offers on star Center 20th July 2023

Quote:

Larsson Signs $76M Extension with Wings Fredrik Larsson Signs 8 year deal worth $9.5M USD per season. Yzerman - “Worth every cent” 20th July 2023,

From the above article:
Larsson, who begins his final year of his Entry Level Contract this season, will commence an 8 year contract worth a total of $76 Million USD at the start of the 2024/25 season. If Larsson see's out the entirely of the new contract, it will take the star winger through to the end of season 2031/32.
“He is worth every cent of this deal & I am thrilled for our organisation to have locked down our cornerstone player, before this season has even commenced.” Said Red Wings General Manager, Steve Yzerman.

21st July -

Quote:

Devils Acquire Price from Canadiens Devils look to pick themselves up off the bottom with solid acquisition of Veteran Goalie Carey Price & forward Matt Nieto from Canadiens in exchange for 2024 2nd & 4th round picks 21st July 2023,

3rd August -

Quote:

Cholowski Traded to Calgary Rebuilding Flames acquire 25 yr old Defenseman in exchange for picks 3rd August 2023

The Deal:

Calgary Flames Acquire D Dennis Cholowski (25yrs 80ovr Med Top4D) in exchange for 2024 CAL Rd 2 Draft Pick & 2024 CAL Rd 5 Draft Pick

Whilst I really like Cholowski, his ice-time & ability to get a top 4 role on the roster with the current list is restricted, so before his value dropped further, I decided to test the water for any interest at the beginning of August. It took 3 days & Calgary put the above offer in, which I believe is great value for us, as we didn’t have a 2nd or a 5th in the next draft. It is also great for Calgary as they get a great young potential Top 4 defenseman that has a bright future with less players blocking his path for ice-time.

4th August -

Detroit Signs Free Agent - D Matthew Spencer - 26yrs 77ovr DFD to 2way Contract - 2 yrs @ $0.825 per season

10th August -

Detroit Signs Free Agent D Nickolas Wotton - 22yrs to Entry Level Contract - 3 yrs @ $0.875 per season

13th August –

Quote:

Tristan Jarry Signs with Flames Flames take step in right direction during rebuild process with signing of up & coming goalie 13th August 2023

15th August -
Detroit - G Dylan Wells - 25yrs 76ovr accepts tendered RFA offer (tendered back in June 25th) - 1 yr @



Notable Free Agent Signings Around The League:

Arizona
D Nick Leddy Signed 1yr @ $4.005M
RW Richard Panik Signed 2way 1yr @ $0.910M

Buffalo
RW Tom Kuhnhackl Signed 2way 1 yr @ $0.84M

Calgary
LW Max Pacioretty Signed 1 yr @ $2.545M
G Tristan Jarry Signed 1 yr @ $1.4M
D Carl Alzner Signed 1 yr @ $3.575M

Carolina
G Alexandar Georgiev Signed 2yrs @ $1.785M
G Antti Raanta Signed 2yrs @ $2.095M
C Bryan Rust Signed 1 yr @ $1.92M

Chicago
LW Kyle Connor Signed 5yrs @ $7.165M per season
LW Max Domi Signed 6yrs @ $7.32M per season

Colorado
RW Kasperi Kapanen Signed 1 yr @ $1.705M
C Matt Duchene Signed 1 yr @ $4.55M
(Yes that’s right, Matt Duchene has rejoined the Av’s!)

Dallas
LW Tomas Tatar Signed 1 yr @ $2.345M
LW Alex Killorn Signed 3 yrs @ $2.545M per season

Detroit
D Matthew Spencer Signed 2yr 2way Contract @ $0.925M per season
D Nickolas Wotton Signed 3yr ELC @ $0.875M per season

Edmonton
G Semyon Varlamov Signed 1 yr @ $3.305M
D Christian Djoos Signed 1 yr @ $1.235M

Florida
C Nick Bjugstad Signed 1 yr @ $1.3M
Bjugstad returns to Florida

Los Angeles
G Eric Comrie Signed 3 yrs @ $3.275M per season

Minnesota
LW Milan Lucic Signed 1yr @ $1.755M
D Erik Johnson Signed 2yrs @ $2.62M per season
LW Conor Sheary Signed 1 yr @ $1.94M
D Brett Kulak Signed 1 yr @ $1.32M

Nashville
D Madison Bowey Signed 5yrs @ $5.25M per season
LW Boris Sbruev* Signed ELC - 3yrs @ $0.95M per season
G Eddie Lack Signed 2 yrs @ $1.235M per season
*Shoddy game mechanics - Edmonton chased & chased to obtain Sbruev from me & gave up picks for him 1 or 2 seasons ago, yet they just let him go to free Agency.

New York Islanders
C Markus Granlund Signed 2 yrs @ $1.08M per season

New York Rangers
D Adam Larsson Signed 4 yrs @ $4.795M per season
D Luke Snuggerud Signed 3 yrs @ $1.57M per season

Ottawa
LW Patrick Maroon Signed 1 yrs @ $1.27M per season
RW Andre Burakovsky Signed 6yrs @ $4.45M per season
LW Givani Smith Signed 1 yr @ $1.86M
RW James Neal Signed 1 yr @ $1.22M
RW Kyle Okposo Signed 1yr @ $2.075M per season
The Senators look to improve, signing depth veteran forwards, as well as signing Burakovsky to a 6 year deal

Pittsburgh
C Sammy Blais Signed for 6yrs @ $5.355M per season
G Petr Mrazek Signed for 2yrs @ $3.635M per season
RW Nick Foligno Signed for 2 yrs @ $1.36M per season
G Devan Dubnyk Signed for 1yr @ $0.935M per season

Philadelphia
C Eric Staal Signed 2 yrs @ $1M per season

San Jose
D Xavier Ouellet Signed 2yrs @ $2.3M per season
* Traded to Nashville

St Louis
C Ryan Dzingel Signed 2 yrs @ $1.035M per season
LW Marcus Johansson Signed 3 yrs @ $2.85M per season

Toronto
C Lars Eller Signed 1 yr @ $1.31M
G Johnathan Quick Signed 1 yr @ $2.35M per season

Vancouver
LW Brandon Tanev Signed 1 yr @ $1.04M

Vegas
G Tukka Rask Signed 1 yr @ $3.01M
LW Justin Abdelkader Signed 1yr @ $1.195M
G Corey Crawford Signed 1yr @ $1.31M
D Alec Martinez Signed 1yr @ $3.4M

Washington
C Johnathan Drouin Signed 6yrs @ $12.27M per season
RW Jesper Fast Signed 1 yr @$1.575M
G Jacob Markstrom Signed 1 yr @ $1.365M

League Trade Activity During Free Agency:



Owner Goals for next Season:
No biggie…..


Wrap up:
As I mentioned previously, as far as signings go, it turned out to be a very quiet Free Agency Period for the Red Wings, albeit a couple minor signings to bolster our defenseman ranks in the AHL.

The big movers were the Chicago Blackhawks. Their signing of Domi & Connor to 5 & 6 years respectively, plus the windfall of the century when they picked Franchise Prospect Right Winger Voutilainen @ no.3 in the Draft will all but ensure they are parked near the top of the standings for some years to come. Add them to 35 year old franchise forwards, Patrick Kane & Johnathan Toews, plus star defenseman Adam Boqvist, with Malcolm Subban in net & you have an extremely good line up.

The big news for us was Larsson’s 8 year, $9.5M per season extension contract which will commence at the beginning of the 2024/25 season. Orginally Larsson asked for 6 years @ $8.9M, per season, however we want him here as a career Red Wing, so I added 2 years & agreed to add $600k per season to make this a great lucrative deal that (a) looks after Larsson & (b) doesn’t majorly blow out our cap in the long run.

Speaking of our Salary Cap, it is starting to fill. This season we have around $8M free, however I am keen to keep it at that level in order to keep enough room for the years ahead. As well as Larsson’s new contract commencing in 24/25, Viktor Chistov, requires his 1st extension contract, which we will work on coming to an agreement on this year. Although he is almost completely unproven to date, Chistov’s 1st extension should be in the vicinity of $7M - $8M. By the time we lock away Chistov, our Salary Cap should be screaming out in pain!

It’s now time to focus on the pre-season ahead.

[SeattleBattleCat]

Pre-season Press Releases:

Quote:

Larsson looking ahead With 2 Stanley Cups in 1st 2 seasons, Larsson doesn’t want to stop there 5th September 2023, On the 20th July, Fredrik Larsson & the Detroit Red Wings concreted their relationship, agreeing to & signing an 8 year, $76 Million Dollar extension contract, that will see the expressive left winger through the 2031/32 season. When we caught up with Detroit’s soon-to-be highest paid skater - who wants to be a Red Wing for life - he wasn’t at the gym pushing weights, but rather we found him on his couch playing his favourite computer game, FIFA soccer. Between plays & a few exclamations after missing a goal, or a kick here or there, Larsson gave us some insight to his thoughts. Hailing from Sweden, Larsson played with the Frolunda Indian’s where he fast became noticed by NHL scouts for his natural skating ability & ability to score both via his shot selection & deking talent. “I had all these scouts come to watch me & want to talk to me after games. They were telling my parents that there could be big things ahead for me in the United States. I just kept that outside of my head & kept playing my natural game & left that to my Mom & Dad.” “Then I was drafted by the Red Wings, I had to leave my parents behind which was a huge adjustment, but I settled in quick in my new family who looked after me here”. Upon moving to the US, Larsson moved in with Wings skating coach Matthias Johnsson & his family, until just recently moving into a new apartment with teammates Kirby Dach & Filip Zadina. “This has all been a little too unreal, I signed with a great team & the success has been instant. I’ve been brought straight into a winning culture & I want to do everything I can to make sure we keep this culture.” In just the first 2 seasons of Larsson’s NHL career, the talented winger has scored 50+ goals (104 in total to date) & led the team in point scoring, he was named the 2021/22 Calder Trophy winner, being the league’s best rookie, plus has been twice awarded the Ted Lindsay Award. With such an impressive bio sheet at only the age of 21 it is no wonder the Red Wings put such a lucrative offer on the table for the Swedish native. Larsson did not find the initial taste of success quite as he thought he would either. “Since our win back in June, I did party a bit, I made sure this time around I enjoyed myself. In my rookie year, I was still a little bedazzled by all of this attention & I don’t think I handled it real well. I kind of went back into my shell a bit & went back to training early to try & keep the spotlight off me. This year, I’ve only just picked up a stick for the 1st time about 2 weeks ago which is probably the longest I can ever remember not training or working out or doing anything. It was great to finally have a break, but I’m back to work now”. Said Larsson, still idly playing away on a FA Cup match between Manchester City & Arsenal. “I am looking forward to camp & I’m looking forward to getting back to business with my teammates.” When asked about his thoughts on the season ahead, Larsson was cautious but seemed confident in saying – “We still have room to improve, but I think we have a team that can go 3 in a row. We’re are still yet to get close to being the best in the regular season, so that is what I hope we can begin with. Then win the Cup again. Yes, that will be nice.” Said Larsson, agreeing with himself. “I hope I get more time with Kirby (Dach) & Z (Zadina) this season, I think we would make a good line together. They are pretty messy guys to live with, but on the ice they are not all that bad.” Larsson quipped, whilst pushing an empty Coca-Cola can off the couch to allow the video game controller to sit by his side. Love him or hate him, Fredrik Larsson will once again be a force to be reckoned with on game day & throughout the season. Can he help the Red Wings to a Three-peat? Only time will tell.

Quote:

Training Camp Commences This year’s Training Camp commences with opportunities for several players to make the roster 12th September 2023, Players & Coaches will finally be back on the ice this morning with the commencement for this year’s training camp, held annually at Traverse City, Mich. The 2 week training camp also coincides with the commencement of the pre-season schedule, which is set to kick off in 5 days when the Florida Panthers make their way to Little Caesars Arena. The back-to-back Stanley Cup champions are not about to let themselves get complacent either according to Red Wings long-time coach, Jeff Blashill. “Some of the guys did have a longer break between the end of the season to now, but we’ve whipped them into shape already in preparation for this week’s training camp & pre-season. I only have to remind them once that there are other players – other teams – that are really hungry to knock us off the top.” Said Blashill. “We have a few young players coming up from Grand Rapids & around this season, that will be hungry for ice-time & will be eager to impress us, so it puts our seasoned players on notice too which keeps them motivated to do their best to keep their minutes & roster spot.” Where are the opportunities? - Forward’s: With Givani Smith & Nick Cousins leaving for free agency there is definite room within the 23 man roster for some new faces, with at least one bottom 6 spot up for grabs, with some time on the Penalty Kill. Rookie left wing, Vitali Goldobin is a sure fire prospect to build on his limited time on the roster last season after an impressive year with Grand Rapids. Another promising upcoming skater, who cannot be missed is Center, Emmanuel Comrie, who captained the Griffins to the team’s best all-time regular season record & got them through them to the Conference Final before eventually bowing out. Comrie, who was drafted in 2019, shows great initiative on the ice & is able to make positive snap decisions on offense, which helps sets his teammates up for scoring opportunities. Possibly a long shot for making the roster this season will be pick number #26 in this year’s rookie draft, 19 year old Center, Abraham Ashton who has emerged from the US Collegiate hockey system. Scouts have promoted Ashton’s ability to Detroit’s management as being unique & given the right guidance, could potentially pan out to be an elite player in the years to come. It may not quite be his time just yet, however we will be keeping an eye on the young Center during the Pre-season. As well as emerging players taking up empty slots, certain forwards on last season’s Red Wings roster will be wanting to train & play exceptionally well during pre-season to ensure they stay with the team. Players that could very well be on this bubble are Martin Frk & Tyler Bertuzzi. Defense: This off-season saw the departure of Jake Muzzin & Dennis Cholowski through trades. There are 2 spots in the Red Wings top 6 up for grabs & with no recent acquisitions, this means the Wings intend to fill those spots from within its existing pool of defensemen. Players looking to cement themselves within Detroit’s 23 man roster will be Amrit Shaw, who sat largely as the team’s 7th d-man last season, veteran Michael Stone, rookie Brandon Mestre & Jaylon Legace. Jaylon Legace, Detroit’s #10 pick in the 2021 Draft & a Michigan native, is almost a certainty to be given ice-time this season. Legace is another of Detroit’s success stories (following Zachery Spezza) coming out of the US University Hockey System with the Michigan Wolverines. Legace, who was an Alternate Captain, led the team’s blue line as a Top 2 defenseman & led the team in minutes played. “We very nearly gave Legace a shot with us last year after a solid training camp & pre-season, however there were a few pieces to his game, mainly to do with spacing both on offense & defense that I wanted him to work on. From what I’ve seen on tapes and a couple of games I went to during the season, he has really improved there, so I am excited to see what he can bring here. If he doesn’t quite make the grade, he’ll spend some time at Grand Rapids, but he should be a big component of our blue line in the future.” Said Blashill. Goalie: This season, whilst opportunities for NHL time for other goalies past Husso & Chistov will be extremely limited. The interesting battle for game time will be between the team’s regular goalie rotation. “Chistov has trained excessively hard during this off-season. He is perhaps the one guy on last season’s team that did not take a break at all. He wants to be noticed & he wants to be a starter. Huss will have some work on his hands this year to stay number 1, that’s for sure” Said Blashill of Chistov. After a career best season with Grand Rapids, Marcus Hogberg is a definite 3rd, emergency option for the Red Wings. Should either Husso or Chistov get injured, it is undeniable, the Wings would look to the Aldege "Baz" Bastien Memorial Award (League Best Goaltender) winner to fill the gap.

Quote:

Skinner asks Red Wings GM for trade Reports indicate Jeff Skinner also asked to be traded earlier during off-season however options limited 13th September 2023, For the 2nd time in 3 months , 31 year old Left Wing skater, Jeff Skinner has asked to be traded. It is believed Skinner is chasing more ice-time after a dramatic reduction in minutes & production last season, playing predominantly on the team’s 3rd line with Captain Dylan Larkin. “He wants more ice-time, I get that & I don’t think less of Jeff for wanting more minutes & the opportunity to seek that role elsewhere” said Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman during day 1 of Training Camp. “He had to play to a lesser role last season, with such a promising younger core of players that we are in the process of building here. He is a great mentor to guys like Svech & Larsson, I have to really applaud his patience & understanding. We’ve won 2 Cups & Jeff has been instrumental in both of them.” “Jeff came to me during the off-season & asked if this was an option I’d consider, he’s been quite open about this. I made some phone calls but unfortunately there just weren’t any viable trade partners out there. Some wanted too much in return & some wanted to give too little. I hope if we can’t find a suitable solution, Jeff will want to push on with us, despite his limited role, he is truly respected here. But we are still considering our options.” Said Yzerman. Skinner avoided speaking with the press as much as possible yesterday, however when asked the question as he headed for the locker room at the end of practice, Skinner stated - “We’re in the middle of working on something. Right now, here’s my home, I’ll focus on this camp & pushing through to the season until I get a tap on the shoulder – if I get a tap on the shoulder” Said Skinner. & with that he headed for the shower. With the season looming, time is running out for the Red Wings to find a viable option before the first puck drops. There are a number of possible avenues for the Red Wings to consider, however most options would require further asset movement to make certain key trades available. Around the league currently, other names being shopped around on respective trade blocks are Center Nico Hischier (Devils), Defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson (Coyotes), Dougie Hamilton (Hurricanes), Johnathan Toewes (Blackhawks).

[lazershow]

Glad to see you're back. Looks like another winning season ahead. Hopefully you find a good value for skinner. Either of those dmen on the block would be a good get.(even though I'm not a big fan of ole dougie after his stay in Bos)

Sent from my SM-G955U using Operation Sports mobile app

[SeattleBattleCat]

Quote: Originally Posted by lazershow

Glad to see you're back. Looks like another winning season ahead. Hopefully you find a good value for skinner. Either of those dmen on the block would be a good get.(even though I'm not a big fan of ole dougie after his stay in Bos) Sent from my SM-G955U using Operation Sports mobile app

Thanks, I’m not sure where i’ll go with Skinner just yet. During Free Agency I tried to package him with other assets to make a deal, for Dougie & even Ekman-Larsson but the major problem was that it felt like i was giving too much away just to make one guy happy, with very little gain or I was creating another bottleneck on the roster somewhere else. I think at this stage I Will see how the season tracks & make a decision based on that.

Just finished the pre-season & should have it up in a day or so.

[lazershow]

It will be interesting to see where you go with him. It's sorta realistic cause if everyone in the league knew he wanted out you wouldn't be getting market value offers. He should watch out before he ends up in OTT

Sent from my SM-G955U using Operation Sports mobile app