Detroit Red Wings off-season checklist includes multi-million dollar buyout of two defenseman
The Detroit Red Wings and Steve Yzerman are buckling up for a busy off-season following another year of not making the playoffs.
Some would say Yzerman's on the hot seat in Detroit as the team has yet to make the playoffs since Dylan Larkin's rookie year, in the 2015-16 season.
Many wonder what could take place in the following weeks, as October is quickly approaching for the start of the 2025-26.
Yzerman has made it clear that he's ready to make a 'bold move' if a free agent is attracted to Detroit, but cap space is needed.
According to a recent report from PHR, the Red Wings will look to make a buyout to create cap space this off-season.
The Red Wings entered the 2024-25 offseason with too many defenders. After sending defenseman Jake Walman to the San Jose Sharks before the start of last summer's free agency in one of the most lopsided trades in recent memory, and moving Olli Maatta to the then-named Utah Hockey Club, Detroit managed to pare its defensive core down to seven regulars, with William Lagesson as a sparsely used option.
The Red Wings will enter the 2025-26 offseason with a similar issue. That's not to say Detroit doesn't have good options. Moritz Seider, Simon Edvinsson, Albert Johansson and prospect Axel Sandin-Pellikka should all have spots locked down on next year's roster, meaning they'll only have two full-time roles for the trio of Ben Chiarot, Justin Holl and Erik Gustafsson, who carry a combined cap hit of $10.15M.
To make it easy, the Red Wings could buy out one of Chiarot or Holl, leaving a cap hit of $2.83M or $2.27M for the next two years, respectively. Despite having a down year offensively compared to his recent production, Detroit shouldn't have any issues finding a trade partner for Gustafsson and his $2M salary. By removing two of the three, Detroit would have the flexibility to keep one for the bottom-pairing, and add a top-four option on the free agent or trade market.
The Red Wings will enter the 2025-26 offseason with a similar issue. That's not to say Detroit doesn't have good options. Moritz Seider, Simon Edvinsson, Albert Johansson and prospect Axel Sandin-Pellikka should all have spots locked down on next year's roster, meaning they'll only have two full-time roles for the trio of Ben Chiarot, Justin Holl and Erik Gustafsson, who carry a combined cap hit of $10.15M.
To make it easy, the Red Wings could buy out one of Chiarot or Holl, leaving a cap hit of $2.83M or $2.27M for the next two years, respectively. Despite having a down year offensively compared to his recent production, Detroit shouldn't have any issues finding a trade partner for Gustafsson and his $2M salary. By removing two of the three, Detroit would have the flexibility to keep one for the bottom-pairing, and add a top-four option on the free agent or trade market.
If the Red Wings could part ways with both defenseman, that would be the most ideal situation.
If not? Justin Holl's buyout would lonesomely create space for the Red Wings to acquire a much better player.
| POLL | ||
MAI 23 | 116 ANSWERS Detroit Red Wings off-season checklist includes multi-million dollar buyout of two defenseman Do you think the Detroit Red Wings should target a star player in free agency, or focus on depth players? | ||
| A star player | 87 | 75 % |
| Depth players | 29 | 25 % |
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