3 free agents the Detroit Red Wings could acquire for an immediate impact

Even though the Red Wings have now missed the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the 9th straight year, the longest drought in team history, there won't be any shortage of options for general manager Steve Yzerman to consider adding.

The 1st and most obvious target that Red Wings fans are hoping Yzerman considers is Toronto Maple Leafs forward Mitch Marner.

Currently with the Maple Leafs in the postseason against the divisional foe Ottawa Senators, Marner's potential arrival with the Red Wings would give them a 100-point scorer for the first time in recent memory; Marner had a career-best 102 points (27G, 75A) this year.

The most recent indications from several top analysts are that Marner is more likely to be on his way out the door in Toronto rather than re-sign; it would also change the dynamics of the Atlantic Division.

Should Marner decide to re-sign with the Leafs or go elsewhere other than Detroit, an easy Plan B option for Yzerman to consider is Vancouver Canucks forward Brock Boeser.

Only a year removed from 40 goals in 2023-24, Boeser endured a difficult year with the Canucks that was filled with behind the scenes drama and injury troubles that resulted in them not making the playoffs.

Per Boeser himself, he's all but guaranteed to not come back to the Canucks and plans to hit the open market; he'd immediately provide another top-6 scoring punch for Detroit.

Finally, a 3rd name the Red Wings would be wise to consider is Florida Panthers forward Sam Bennett; he'd not only provide a scoring touch (25 goals this year) but also an element of toughness that Detroit badly needs.

One of the main knocks on the Red Wings roster in the last several years is that they're too easy to play against, something that Bennett would immediately change.